Eastern District of Washington
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Georgia Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Impersonating a U.S. Marshal and Stealing $84,000Read the Press Release
Yakima, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Charmmorro Vijay Strothers, 31, of Auburn, Georgia, was sentenced for Wire Fraud. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian imposed a sentence of 30 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, as well as restitution of $85,945.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on August 13, 2023, Strothers rented a car at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and drove to Yakima, Washington. Two days later, on August 15, Strothers’ co-schemer called the victim, told her she was speaking with law enforcement, and that she had an active warrant for her arrest. The co-schemer then told the victim that to avoid arrest, she needed to drive to Egley’s Bail Bonds in Yakima and pay a bond of $14,000. The co-schemer remained on the phone with the victim while she withdrew the money. The co-schemer then instructed the victim to report to the Yakima County Jail Parking lot, which is across the street from Egley’s Bail Bonds.
When the victim arrived, Strothers approached the victim, collected the cash, and gave the victim a handwritten receipt indicating it was from Egley’s Bail Bonds and listing a fraudulent case number.
A short time later, another co-schemer called the victim and told her a felony warrant was issued for her arrest. The victim was again told she needed to drive to the parking lot at the Yakima County Jail and this time pay a bond of $25,000 or she would be arrested. The victim complied, and Strothers collected the additional $25,000 payment. The victim asked for identification information and Strothers falsely told the victim he could not provide it because he was a United States Marshal.
On August 16, 2023, a second victim received a call informing her a federal arrest warrant was issued because she failed to appear as an expert witness. The second victim received several follow up calls. The caller ID on the victim’s phone showed the number to be from the Puyallup Police Department. The victim was concerned this was a scam, but because of the information provided on the call and concern for their reputation, the victim withdrew $44,000 from her bank account. The victim met Strothers at CJ Johnson Bail Bonds in Tacoma, Washington, and handed over the money. Strothers provided the victim with a receipt and left the scene.
On August 18, 2023, law enforcement located and arrested Strothers inside the Sea-Tac airport. During a search, investigators located a receipt booklet containing a copy of the receipt issued to one of the victims and $59,000 in cash.
“Mr. Strothers used the threat of arrest as part of a fraudulent scheme to deceive law-abiding people and con them out of significant amounts money. However, once the fraud was discovered, dedicated investigators worked quickly and effectively to identify Mr. Strothers, and were waiting to take him into custody when he arrived for his flight to attempt his getaway,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Working with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to protect Eastern Washington from fraudsters and make our communities safe and strong.”
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, Yakima Police Department, and Puyallup Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Courtney R. Pratten and Benjamin D. Seal prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
Spokane Resident Sentenced for Fraudulently Obtaining More than $360,000 in COVID- 19 Relief FundingRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Marisa Beck, age 41, of Spokane, was sentenced for fraudulently obtaining more than $360,000 in COVID-19 relief funding intended for endangered small businesses and employees at risk of losing their jobs. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian imposed a sentence of 12 months imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, as well as restitution of $402,020.32, representing the total loss to the public as a result of the fraud.
On March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act provided a number of programs through which eligible small businesses could request and obtain relief funding intended to mitigate the economic impacts of the pandemic for small and local businesses. One such program, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), provided forgivable loans to eligible small businesses to retain jobs and maintain payroll during the pandemic. Another program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, provided low-interest bridge funding for small businesses placed at risk during the pandemic.
According to court documents and information presented at trial and the sentencing hearing, Ms. Beck admitted to fraudulently obtaining $368,829 in PPP and EIDL funding for three purported businesses: Cyra Solar LLC, Beck N’ Call Landscape, LLC, and Value in People Consulting, LLC. Ms. Beck admitted that these entities were not eligible for CARES Act funding because Beck N’ Call Landscape and Cyra Solar were not active businesses as of February 2020, and because she submitted false and fraudulent payroll, revenue, and other information associated with the three purported businesses in order to fraudulently obtain CARES Act funding.
“Many small businesses struggled during the COVID-19 shutdowns and were eligible for pandemic relief funds to keep their doors open and to ensure that their employees could keep their jobs. Fraudulent schemes diverted critical money set aside to help those businesses and instead were used to enrich individuals such as Ms. Beck,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I’m grateful for the investigators and prosecutors of our COVID Fraud Strike Force. Their teamwork and focus on uncovering fraud strengthens our community and protects small and local businesses.”
“Today’s sentencing underscores the VA Office of Inspector General’s commitment to rooting out fraudsters and safeguarding taxpayer funds,” said Special Agent in Charge Dimitriana Nikolov with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northwest Field Office. “The VA OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners as part of the COVID-19 Strike Force to investigate fraud against relief programs intended to support bona fide recipients.”
“Profiteering off federal government relief programs intended to support American small businesses is inexcusable,” said SBA OIG’s Western Region Special Agent in Charge Weston King. “This sentencing is further evidence that greed has no place in SBA programs. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and commitment to seeing justice served.”
The case was investigated by the Eastern Washington COVID Fraud Strike Force, and in particular by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Spokane Resident Office, with investigative assistance and support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Spokane Resident Agency, the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, Western Regional Office, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigative Division, Seattle Field Office. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Fruchter prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
Richland Man Indicted for Stealing More than $339,000 in COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Richland, Washington - On August 21, 2024, a federal grand jury for the Eastern District of Washington returned an Indictment charging Gilbert Orosco, of Richland, Washington, with ten counts of conspiracy, fraud, and aggravated identify theft. Orozco made his first appearance in Federal Court on August 27, 2024.
The Indictment alleges that, beginning in July 2020, Orosco took part in a scheme in which he defrauded the United States government and the governments of California, Nevada, and Arizona to obtain money from the states’ COVID relief programs in the form of unemployment insurance proceeds funded, in part, by the United States government. Specifically, Orosco conspired with co-conspirators who acquired personal information from others and used it to fraudulently make mass online applications for money earmarked by the states to provide unemployment insurance relief for those who lost their jobs due to the COVID pandemic. The indictment alleges Orosco’s co-conspirators created and submitted false and fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance on behalf of individuals who were not seeking or eligible for the benefits, and did not know that their identities were being used to obtain benefits. Acting on the fraudulent applications, the states then mailed debit cards to Orosco’s home in Richland, Washington. According to the indictment, Orosco used the debit cards to withdraw cash from ATMs. After withdrawing the cash, Orosco would convert the money into cryptocurrency or money orders. Orosco would then allegedly use those assets himself or transfer them to co-conspirators.
The indictment alleges, between July 2020 and December 2021, unemployment insurance claims on behalf of approximately 70 different individuals were filed with state work force agencies, including in California, Nevada, and Arizona, that listed Orosco’s residence in Richland, Washington. Debit cards were then mailed to Orosco’s residence in the names of these individuals.
According to the indictment, during this period, Orosco used the debit cards in other people’s names to make 347 ATM withdrawals totaling approximately $282,814. Orosco also made another approximately 30 transactions using the debit cards at Winco, Albertson’s, and USPS locations in the Eastern District of Washington totaling approximately $57,095.
“Many people who lost their jobs during the pandemic were dependent on COVID-19 relief programs for financial support during an unprecedented time of uncertainty,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “We created the COVID-19 Fraud Strike force to protect everyone who relied on those critical funds and to combat pandemic-related fraud.”
This case was investigated by the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General COVID Fraud Unit. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy J. Kelley.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
White Swan Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Intent to Commit Murder in Violent Stabbing AttackRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Taylor Thomas Rayne Sinclair, 23, of White Swan, Washington, was sentenced on one count of Assault with Intent to Commit Murder. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian imposed a sentence of 168 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, as well as restitution of $13,625.10.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on the morning of November 19, 2022, Sinclair, who is an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation, entered the victim’s property through an open gate. The victim heard dogs barking and came outside. The victim didn’t recognize Sinclair and asked if he needed help. Sinclair pulled out a folding knife, ran up to the victim, and stabbed her several times, including in the face, abdomen, and hands. The victim and Sinclair wrestled for control of the knife. The victim was able to get ahold of the knife but at the same time, Sinclair put the victim in a chokehold. Sinclair eventually released the victim from the chokehold and the victim ran back inside the home. Sinclair attempted to follow, but the victim pushed Sinclair back outside and locked the door. The victim managed to call 911 with the help of her young child. The victim and her child ran into the bathroom and closed and locked the door. As the victim waited for help to arrive, she could hear windows being broken, loud banging noises, and Sinclair yelling inside the home.
Law enforcement arrived a short time later and arrested Sinclair. Investigators noticed two windows had been broken as well as the front door broken in and partially off the hinges. Investigators also located blood on the porch and around the home. The victim was taken to the hospital and treated for multiple stab wounds, including an orbital fracture and a collapsed lung.
“I commend the bravery of the victim in this case. What began as an offer of help to a stranger, unexpectedly escalated to an unprovoked, violent attack. The victim courageously fought off her attacker, then, despite having serious injuries, managed to call for help and get herself, and her young child, to safety inside a locked bathroom,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “By working closely with our federal, tribal, and local law enforcement partners we will continue to hold those accountable who commit violent acts in tribal communities and work together to make Eastern Washington safer and stronger.”
“Horrifying is the only word that describes what the victim experienced at the hands of Mr. Sinclair,” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “Thankfully she survived this vicious and unprovoked assault. Hopefully, she finds some comfort with the sentence delivered today.”
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, The Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department, and the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Murphy and Courtney R. Pratten.
Richland Sex Offender Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Gerald Alan Nott, age 63, of Richland, Washington, was sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of Receipt of Child Pornography. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke imposed a sentence of 180 months (15 years) imprisonment to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, between December of 2022 and March of 2023, a Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children (SER-ICAC) detective developed information that Nott, who is a registered sex offender, was using the internet at his parent’s home in Richland, Washington to distribute child pornography. The more than 1600 image and video files depicted young children, including those approximately one to four years old, being sexually abused.
On March 16, 2023, detectives executed a search warrant at the home where Nott had accessed the internet. Nott told officers that he thought police might be coming to talk to him, so he attempted to delete the files containing child pornography from his tablet. Nott also admitted to hiding the tablet behind a cabinet. That same day, SER-ICAC officers executed a search warrant at Nott’s residence in Richland and seized a second tablet. A certified forensic examiner with SER-ICAC examined both tablets and located more than 100 video and image files of child pornography.
“This sentence sends a powerful reminder to Mr. Nott and others like him: Crimes that exploit children cannot, and will not be tolerated,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Mr. Nott ignored the conditions of his release and used the internet to view and distribute horrific depictions of young children being abused. However, thanks to the dedicated work of the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and prosecutors from my office, we were able to hold Mr. Nott accountable and prevent him from further victimizing the most vulnerable among us.”
“HSI’s resolve to protect children from exploitation is unwavering,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “This sentencing is a critical reminder of our relentless pursuit of justice for the youngest and most vulnerable victims. Each image he possessed represents a child’s suffering, and our work is driven by a profound commitment to ensuring these children are safeguarded. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to hold offenders accountable and prevent future abuse.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov
This case was investigated by the Southeast Regional ICAC Task Force, consisting of Homeland Security Investigations and the Richland and Kennewick Police Departments. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laurel Holland.
Spokane Man Sentenced for Armed Robbery of Kalispel MarketRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Bryan Wokal, 61, of Spokane, Washington, was sentenced on one count of Robbery Affecting Commerce. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian imposed a sentence of 72 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information disclosed at sentencing, on January 2, 2024, Wokal walked into the Kalispel Market on the Kalispel Indian Reservation in Airway Heights. Wokal approached the cashier, pulled out a gun, pointed it at the cashier, and demanded $400. When the cashier did not immediately respond, Wokal cocked the gun and repeated his demand. The cashier removed the money from the cash register and gave it to Wokal. Wokal then left the market. The next day, Wokal was arrested by the Spokane Police Department.
“Mr. Wokal’s armed robbery put employees and shoppers in grave danger and left the cashier with lasting trauma,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I am grateful for the quick work of the FBI, Kalispel Tribal Police, Spokane Police Department and Spokane Sheriff’s Office to identify Mr. Wokal and ensure he would be held accountable for the danger and harm he caused to the Kalispel Tribal Community.”
“The Kalispel Tribal Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community,” said Kalispel Tribal Police Chief Rodney Schurger. “By working closely with the FBI, Spokane Police Department, and Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, we are combining resources and expertise to bring criminals to justice more swiftly and effectively.”
“The safety and security of our guests, Tribal Members, and Team Members continues to be our number one priority,” says Kalispel Tribal Council Vice Chair Curt Holmes. “We recognize that violent crime continues to escalate across the nation, as well as right here in our own communities. We are grateful for the quick efforts of our Kalispel Tribal Police Department, as well as the assistance of the FBI, Spokane Police Department and the Spokane Sheriff’s Office in making this arrest. We also appreciate the diligent work of the US Attorney’s Office in prosecuting offenders like Mr. Wokal to the fullest extent of the law.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
This case was investigated by the FBI, Kalispel Tribal Police, Spokane Police Department, and the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Ellis and Nowles Heinrich.
New Mexico Man Who Sexually and Physically Abused a Young Teen Following Abduction from a Kennewick Home, Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Richland, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Lucas Daniel Murphy, age 38, was sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of Online Enticement of a Minor. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke imposed a sentence of 240 months imprisonment to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release.
Judge Dimke called Murphy’s actions “ugly” and noted few offenses are more serious or cause more harm than this. Directly addressing the victim, Judge Dimke said: “Thank you for being here today. You are incredibly strong and brave to be here today. If you can be here today to stand up for yourself, you can do anything.”
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, in August of 2021, Murphy met a 13-year-old minor using an online application. Despite knowing the victim was 22 years his junior, Murphy began communicating regularly with the victim on SnapChat. At first, Murphy and the victim discussed shared interests in music. Over time, the communications changed, and involved Murphy instructing the victim to engage in sex acts over live Snapchat video. He also directed the victim to send specific sexually explicit photos. Murphy expressed a desire to be with the victim, which culminated in a plan to travel to the victim’s location, pick up the victim and transport the victim back to Murphy’s home in New Mexico.
In December of 2021, the victim was staying with friends at a location in Kennewick, Washington. On or about December 18, 2021, Murphy drove from New Mexico to Kennewick, Washington, where he took the 13-year-old victim from a residential area. Murphy drove the victim to his residence in New Mexico. During the drive, Murphy provided the victim with alcohol and marijuana and sexually abused the victim.
The two remained at Murphy’s residence in New Mexico for several days. Murphy returned to work while the victim remained at Murphy’s residence. During this time, Murphy continued to sexually abuse the victim.
On December 22, 2021, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents and local New Mexico law enforcement officers and surrounded Murphy’s residence. The victim was rescued from the location and Murphy was taken into custody. The victim was taken to the hospital interviewed by a certified forensic interviewer. Investigators documented bruises on the victim’s neck and leg. Months later, when the victim was ready, Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children investigators traveled to the victim’s location and conducted a painstaking interview, documenting the extent of Murphy’s abuse.
“As a parent, I am horrified by Mr. Murphy’s conduct. Mr. Murphy meticulously planned the abduction of his young victim and took steps to make it difficult for law enforcement to track his whereabouts. Mr. Murphy repeatedly physically and sexually abused his victim resulting in significant trauma for the victim and their family. While no sentence can replace the horrors the victim faced, hopefully, it will serve as an important step on a long road to healing,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I want to commend the excellent work done by the Kennewick Police Department in the initial steps of this case, as well as the stellar follow-up investigation undertaken by our federal and local partners in Washington and New Mexico.”
“The collaboration between our local and federal law enforcement agencies brought this victim home. Today, that victim stood before the Court and the community, addressed the harm the Defendant caused, and demonstrated that this harm will not define the victim’s life,” said Assistant United States Attorney Laurel Holland. “I am humbled by the strength of the victim and the victim’s family, and grateful for all of the community partners who enabled this outcome.”
“Child sex offenders' prey on the most vulnerable victims. While today’s sentencing cannot erase the harm inflicted upon the victim, I hope that it will serve as the first step towards closure,” said FBI-Albuquerque Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will never stop working to put predators who harm children behind bars. These are incredibly disturbing cases to investigate, but each time we're able to step in and protect a child victim from further sexual abuse, it's a good day.”
“Today’s sentencing reflects our unwavering commitment to justice and the protection of our community’s most vulnerable members,” said Richland Police Department Interim Chief, Craig Meidl. “The actions of this individual were heinous and will have lifelong impacts on the victim and her family. We remain dedicated to ensuring that perpetrators of such crimes are held accountable and that victims find the support they need to begin their healing process. Our thoughts are with the survivor and their family as they move forward from this traumatic experience.”
“This was a targeted assault on a child, trading away their innocence and safety for a lifetime of scars,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “It is my intent that HSI, alongside our partners in federal and local law enforcement will not only hold child predators like Murphy accountable for their crimes, but increase our methods of educating the public on ways to identify potential abusers lurking online.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the Kennewick Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office in New Mexico. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laurel Holland.
Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictments for Two Men on Sex Abuse Charges Arising on the Yakama NationRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced a Federal Grand Jury has returned indictments on two separate individuals.
Jerry Slockish, age 57, of White Swan, Washington has been charged with Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child Under 12 Years of Age in Indian Country. The charge carries a sentence of up to life in prison and up to life supervised release. The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Bree Black Horse is prosecuting the case. 1:24-CR-2049-MKD.
Geordell Devon Arthur, age 24, has been charged with Abusive Sexual Contact. The alleged conduct also took place on the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation. The victim was between the age of 12 and 16. The charge carries a sentence of up to two years in prison and up to life supervised release. The FBI and the Yakama Nation Police Department is investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Murphy is prosecuting the case. 1:24-CR-2050-MKD.
“Children deserve to live in a world where they feel safe -- free from abuse and the fear of abuse. Protecting all children, including within Tribal communities in Eastern Washington, will always be a priority for my office,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Our strong partnerships with federal and Tribal law enforcement are key to building trust in native communities and securing justice for victims.”
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Drug Trafficker Involved in High-Speed Chase with Spokane Police Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Juan Pablo Carrillo-Nava, 46, was sentenced on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian imposed a sentence of 70 months in federal prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) developed information that Carrillo-Nava was a drug runner for a drug trafficking organization based in Mexico and operating in Eastern Washington.
On August 13, 2020, investigators arranged a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from the organization. When agents went to the location where the drug transaction was supposed to take place, Carrillo-Nava had not yet arrived. After an extended period, Agents went to a second location where the drug organization had conducted drug transactions in the past. Agents observed a green Honda Accord Carrillo-Nava had used previously.
Agents requested a Spokane Police Department (SPD) marked patrol unit respond to the second location. An SPD unit responded and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Instead of stopping, Carrillo-Nava sped off into a residential neighborhood, disregarding stop signs, and at times reaching speeds of 75 miles per hour in a 25-mile-per-hour zone.
Carrillo-Nava eventually crashed his vehicle into an oncoming vehicle, which propelled his vehicle into a chain link fence in the front yard of a Spokane home. Carillo-Nava then took off running, pursued by several bystanders. He was taken into custody a short time later by SPD and DEA. Agents executed a search warrant on Carrillo-Nava’s vehicle and located $28,200 in cash, almost two pounds of heroin, and more than a ½ pound of methamphetamine.
“Drug trafficking presents a serious danger to families, neighborhoods, and residents in our community. Mr. Carrillo-Nava attempted to avoid arrest by recklessly speeding through neighborhoods, ignoring traffic signs, and disregarding posted speed limits. Even after crashing his vehicle, Mr. Carillo-Nava attempted to escape responsibility by running from police,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Working with our federal, state, local and tribal partners, we will continue to target large-scale drug trafficking organizations, hold their members accountable, and keep our communities safe and strong.”
“Our communities are safer when those who disregard the safety of others, through drug trafficking and reckless and violent behavior, are held accountable,” said Ron Deist, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, DEA Spokane District Office.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force in both Spokane and North Idaho. The Spokane Police Department also participated in the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin Baunsgard.
Former Town Clerk and Town Council Member Pleads Guilty to Stealing More Than $195,000 from Town of CusickRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Luke Michael Servas, a former public official for the Town Cusick, Washington, pleaded guilty to Bank Fraud in connection with embezzling Town funds. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice accepted Servas’s guilty plea and scheduled a sentencing hearing for November 13, 2024, in Spokane, Washington.
According to the plea agreement and other court filings, Servas embezzled more than $195,000 while employed as the Town Clerk for the town of Cusick, Washington between October 2022 and March 2023. During that time period, Servas was also an elected member of the town council.
Like many cities and towns, Cusick residents elect a town council, which selects a town clerk. The clerk is responsible for managing Cusick’s finances and financial accounts. Cusick’s account also had two credit cards issued to make expenditures on behalf of the town: one issued to Cusick’s elected mayor, and one issued to Servas as town clerk.
Servas fraudulently and without authority used the mayor’s town credit card, as well as his own town credit card, to embezzle and transfer more than $190,000 in public town funds from Cusick’s bank account to PayPal accounts owned and controlled by Servas and his spouse, and to a cryptocurrency account owned and controlled by Servas.
In March of 2023, other town officials expressed concern that funds were missing from the town’s account. Servas contacted the Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office to report that between $150,000 and $200,000 had been stolen from the Town of Cusick’s operating bank account. Servas indicated that these funds were stolen using the mayor’s credit card account and falsely stated that only the mayor had access to the account. After making this report, Servas wrote a fraudulent $4,961 check from Cusick’s account to himself, forged the mayor’s signature as well as that of another town official, and cashed the check on or about March 20, 2023.
“Mr. Servas not only carried out a fraudulent scheme to rob a town of its financial resources, but when his colleagues noticed the money missing, Mr. Servas filed a report with law enforcement to hide his theft.” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Mr. Servas took these actions while an elected public official with a moral duty and legal obligation to protect that money. Our communities trust elected officials to serve others, rather than to look after only their own self-interest. When elected officials abuse this trust by committing theft and lining their own pockets with taxpayer money, these officials devastate our communities and undermine our democratic system of government. I commend the exceptional work done by the FBI and the Washington State Auditor’s Office to root out the fraud. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to expose and prosecute public corruption, self-dealing, and fraud.”
“I’m sure a small town like Cusick could have used the nearly $200,000 Mr. Servas embezzled,” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “Even more disturbing, Mr. Servas served in a position of trust as the Town Clerk when he committed his fraud. Investigating the corruption of public officials remains one the FBI’s most important priorities.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Spokane Resident Agency, with investigative and logistical support from the Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington State Auditor’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Fruchter.
Two Western Washington Women Indicted for Unauthorized Use of Northern Quest Resort & Casino Bank AccountRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that a federal grand jury has indicted Kaydee Jean Baker and Beth Ann Hayes, both of Thurston County, Washington, for bank fraud in connection with the unauthorized use of a bank account belonging to Kalispel Tribe’s Northern Quest Resort & Casino.
The Indictment announced today charges Kaydee Jean Baker and Beth Ann Hayes, both of Thurston County, Washington, with ten counts of bank fraud. The Indictment alleges that Baker and Hayes ordered checks displaying a routing number and bank account number for a bank account that did not belong to them, but instead belonged to Kalispel Tribe’s Northern Quest Resort & Casino. The indictment alleges that Baker and Hayes then used the checks drawing from that account, attempting to use the funds in that account for their own financial gain. According to the indictment, Baker and Hayes wrote over $30,000 in checks fraudulently drawn on the Northern Quest Resort & Casino bank account.
“The integrity of our financial system is essential to keeping communities safe and strong,” said United States Attorney Waldref. “My office will continue to work closely with our federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement partners to hold fraudsters accountable when they attempt to abuse the financial system in order to line their own pockets.”
The fraud charges carry sentences of up to 30 years in federal prison as well as restitution for fraudulently-obtained funds. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Kalispell Tribal Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frieda K. Zimmerman.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Case No: 2:24-CR-8-TOR
Moscow Man Indicted for Conspiring with Son to Commit International KidnappingRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - On August 7, 2024, a federal grand jury for the Eastern District of Washington returned a two-count indictment charging Jaimes Tin Aung with one count of Conspiracy to Commit International Parental Kidnapping, and one count of aiding and abetting International Parental Kidnapping. Aung made his first appearance in Federal Court on Friday, August 9, 2024.
According to the indictment, Jaimes Aung’s son, Aaron Aung, was supposed to travel to the Pullman Police Department for a custody exchange of the victim with the victim’s mother. Aaron Aung and the victim never arrived for the custody exchange. Instead, agents with the FBI and U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP) obtained photos of a vehicle Aaron Aung was allegedly driving, which had crossed into Mexico on June 1, 2024, at the Andrade, California, Port of Entry. The vehicle was registered to Jaimes Aung.
The indictment further alleges that between May 31, 2024, and June 16, 2024, Jaimes Aung assisted Aaron Aung in avoiding law enforcement. According to the indictment, Jaimes and Aaron Aung exchanged coded and encrypted messages. The messages from Jaimes Aung allegedly warned Aaron Aung about the ongoing investigation and included suggestions on how to avoid detection.
“My office is committed to protecting the most vulnerable among us,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Law enforcement and my extraordinary team of dedicated prosecutors stand ready to pursue those who seek to harm children.”
This case is being investigated by the FBI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca Perez and Michael J. Ellis.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Spokane Valley Man Sentenced to Federal Prison on Firearm and Fentanyl Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Alexander Kosnicki, 46 of Spokane Valley, Washington, was sentenced on one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. Kosnicki was convicted of those crimes on February 13, 2024, following a jury trial. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice imposed a sentence of 70 months in federal prison to be followed by 6 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information disclosed at trial and sentencing, on the night of November 22, 2022, Kosnicki was sleeping in the lobby of an apartment building in downtown Spokane. Residents of the building alerted security.
Security guards searched Kosnicki and located a small amount of methamphetamine and fentanyl pills as well as a handgun in Kosnicki’s jacket pocket. Security then called Spokane Police. At the time Kosnicki entered the apartment building carrying these illicit items, Kosnicki had a prior federal conviction for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Felon in Possession of a Firearm out of the Western District of Washington and was not allowed to possess a firearm.
Spokane Police officers searched Kosnicki. During the search, officers located $1,147 in cash in Kosnicki’s right sock and located two large bags of fentanyl pills in Kosnicki’s left sock.
“Mr. Kosnicki illegally possessed a firearm and was distributing deadly fentanyl in our communities. His actions contributed to the growing epidemic of drug use in our society,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Our office has been prosecuting fentanyl cases vigorously as part of our ongoing efforts to build safer and stronger communities. Fentanyl is particularly lethal, and we are proactively working to prevent the tragedy it causes to Eastern Washington families on a daily basis.”
“Fentanyl and firearms are a lethal combination, and I am gratified that the DEA and our partners could hold Mr. Kosnicki accountable for his behavior,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Our community is safer because of this sentence.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Spokane Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca Perez.
Owner of Spokane Valley Medical Supply Company Agrees to Pay $224,620 to Resolve Allegations of Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced Justin Leland has agreed to pay $224,620.88 to resolve allegations he participated in a kick-back scheme to bill Medicare for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment.
Medicare provides health insurance to elderly and disabled United States citizens. Medicare pays for covered health services, including durable medical equipment, under certain conditions. Durable medical equipment are supplies ordered by a health care provider for a patient’s everyday or extended use, such as oxygen equipment, wheelchairs, crutches or blood testing strips for diabetics. In order for durable medical equipment to be covered under Medicare, it must be ordered by a physician who is treating the beneficiary for a specific medical problem and must be used as part of the course of treatment for that specific medical problem.
According to court documents, in June of 2018, Leland registered US Professional Medical Supply LLC (USPMS) with the Washington Secretary of State. Leland also obtained a National Provider Identifier as a durable medical equipment and medical supply company and listed himself as the owner.
In September 2019, Leland submitted approximately 400 durable medical equipment billing claims to Medicare from USPMS, which all listed Leland as the provider and were ordered by doctors who solicited and received kickbacks in exchange for ordering the durable medical equipment. In total, Medicare paid out $112,310.44 for these claims.
During the investigation, Federal investigators learned patients received phone calls from telemarketers, provided brief statements to the callers, never actually saw or were examined by a provider, and received durable medical equipment that they did not actually need.
“This settlement puts durable medical equipment suppliers on notice that they will be held accountable if they attempt to defraud the United States,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “These schemes compromise patient care and result in payment for services that are not medically necessary. Such services not only drive-up medical costs for everyone, but in some instances may even prove harmful to patients. My office is committed to stopping health care fraud, protecting the resources of the federal government, and protecting the well-being of patients.”
“Durable medical equipment businesses that participate in illegal kickback schemes to boost their profits undermine the public’s trust and jeopardize the integrity of the Medicare program," said Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Ryan with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “This settlement demonstrates HHS-OIG’s enduring commitment to work with our law enforcement partners to combat health care fraud and aggressively pursue those who exploit federal health care programs.”
The settlement was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Seattle Field Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremey Kelley handled this matter on behalf of the United States.
The settlement agreement can be viewed here:
Leland Settlement AgreementOhio Doctor Sentenced for Conspiring to Accept Kickbacks in Connection with Fraudulent Telemarketing Scheme that Harmed Medicare and TRICARE Patients in Eastern WashingtonRead the Press Release
Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Thomas Andrew Webster, M.D., age 51, of Sylvania, Ohio, pleaded guilty to conspiring to accept kickbacks in connection with a fraudulent telemarketing and medical supply scheme throughout Washington and in other states. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke imposed a sentence of 24 months in federal custody to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, as well as restitution of $839,566.44. In addition, Judge Dimke imposed a fine of $50,000.
The Medicare program provides health insurance coverage for elderly and disabled Americans. The Department of Defense’s TRICARE program provides health benefits to United States Armed Forces military personnel, military retirees, and their dependents. Medicare and TRICARE provide health insurance coverage for eligible health services, including, under certain conditions, for durable medical equipment. Durable medical equipment are supplies ordered by a health care provider for a patient’s everyday or extended use, such as oxygen equipment, wheelchairs, crutches, or blood testing strips for diabetics. For durable medical equipment to qualify for reimbursement, the durable medical equipment is required to be ordered by a physician who is treating the beneficiary for a specific illness or injury and is required to be part of the course of that treatment.
During the relevant time period, Dr. Webster lived in Olympia, Washington, and was a licensed physician in Washington. According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, between May 2021 and September 2023, Dr. Webster participated in a telemarketing scheme and conspiracy. A company identified as “Company A” obtained Medicare and TRICARE beneficiary information by using telemarketers to contact patients in Eastern Washington and elsewhere to obtain their personal and health information. Company A then used the information to create a fake medical record that falsely and fraudulently reflected doctor visits and treatment supposedly performed by Dr. Webster that did not exist, and fraudulent medical orders for durable medical equipment. Dr. Webster then signed the fraudulent medical documentation and durable medical equipment orders, which were then sold by Company A to companies that used the orders to falsely bill Medicare and TRICARE. Company A and Dr. Webster also falsely and fraudulently billed Medicare and TRICARE for the fictitious doctor visits and exams that did not take place.
Medicare and TRICARE paid more than $14.6 million for durable medical equipment fraudulently ordered by Dr. Webster for more than ten thousand beneficiaries in Eastern Washington and elsewhere, including beneficiaries who lacked the limb for which Defendant supposedly performed the exam and ordered the durable medical equipment, because it had been previously amputated. Dr. Webster also admitted to directly receiving at least $839,565 from Medicare and TRICARE for fraudulent doctor visits and exams that never took place. As part of the sentence, the court also ordered forfeiture of funds in Dr. Webster’s bank and investment accounts representing the proceeds of his criminal conduct, and ordered Dr. Webster to pay restitution to the Medicare and TRICARE programs.
“By placing his personal financial benefit ahead of his duty to patients, Dr. Webster violated the oath he took as a doctor and caused more than $14.6 million dollars to be lost from critical health care programs designed to care for elderly and disabled Americans, as well as for military servicemembers and their families,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Telemarketing schemes that target and exploit the elderly and our servicemembers are especially pernicious because they prey on those who are often most in need of a doctor’s independent judgment that is not tainted or biased by the doctor’s own personal financial interest.”
“Illegal kickback arrangements can corrupt the legitimate medical decision-making process and undermine the integrity of federal healthcare programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Ryan with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Today’s sentence demonstrates the commitment of HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners to hold those who exploit these programs for personal gain accountable.”
“Today’s sentencing is a clear signal that those who corrupt federal healthcare programs, including the Department of Defense’s TRICARE program, will be held accountable.” said Bryan D. Denny, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Western Field Office. “Dr. Webster’s greed siphoned off tax dollars meant to provide health care for members of the U.S. Military and their families. DCIS and our investigative partners will relentlessly pursue those who steal from the government at the expense of taxpayers, our nation’s warfighters, and their families.”
“I want to especially thank and commend the outstanding investigative work by our partners with HHS-OIG and DCIS,” continued U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Their skill and dogged determination throughout this complex investigation made this result possible. We will continue to work hand-in-glove with our law enforcement partners to hold fraudsters accountable.”
The case was investigated by HHS OIG’s Seattle Field Office and DCIS’ Western Field Office. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Fruchter prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States; Assistant United States Attorney Brian M. Donovan is handling the forfeiture action.
Fraud Ringleader and Former Fugitive William Mize Pleads Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that William Oldham Mize pleaded guilty to conspiracy, tax fraud, and failing to appear at court proceedings. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice accepted Mize’s guilty plea and scheduled a sentencing hearing for November 6, 2024, in Spokane, Washington.
According to the plea agreement and other court filings, Mize was the ringleader of a massive insurance fraud scheme to intentionally cause automobile and boat collisions as well as staged home “accidents” in order to file false and fraudulent insurance claims and collect the proceeds. According to court documents, the scheme took place between 2013 and 2018, involved numerous staged collisions in Washington and Nevada, and obtained more than $6 million, most of which was kept by Mize.
Mize originally appeared in federal court on his indictment on January 9, 2019. Following his initial appearance, he was released pending trial. In July 2019, Mize fled from supervision and became a fugitive, living under a number of false identities.
On November 28, 2023, the U.S. Marshals apprehended Mize in Jacksonville, Florida based on a lead that Mize, using a false identity, was attempting to sell a yacht in which was living in the Jacksonville area. Mize was then located and arrested at a marina in central Florida and transported to Eastern Washington, where he has remained in custody.
U.S. Attorney Waldref stated, “Mr. Mize attempted, but ultimately failed, to avoid the consequences of his fraudulent and dangerous schemes. Over the course of several years, Mr. Mize defrauded insurance companies out of millions of dollars by staging fake accidents that caused real, physical harm to his co-conspirators and others. These schemes greatly increase insurance premiums and costs for everyone, making it more expensive for ordinary Americans to own a car and to have reliable transportation for themselves and their families. I am grateful for the excellent investigative work by our law enforcement partners and prosecutors in my office, as well as the tireless dedication of the U.S. Marshals to locate and return Mr. Mize to the Eastern District, where he finally will be held accountable for the great harm caused by his fraudulent scheme.”
“This case demonstrates the dedication of the FBI, the U.S. Marshals, IRS Criminal Investigation, and all our law enforcement partners to hold fraudsters and fugitives accountable no matter how long the process takes or how far they run,” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “Mr. Mize pleaded guilty today after a multi-year, multi-million dollar scheme, followed by years of hiding from the law.”
“Preventing auto accidents requires communal effort, and safety is something we all strive for. Mr. Mize, on the other hand, chose to travel a different path,” said Special Agent in Charge Adam Jobes, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS CI), Seattle Field Office. “Going on the run, Mr. Mize tried to escape the consequences of his actions. Today, however, is the end of the road, and Mr. Mize is being held accountable for his crimes.”
“The United States Marshals Service worked as one team with the IRS and the FBI in this case to relentlessly pursue this fugitive until he was apprehended, in spite of his resources and intent to avoid capture, stated Gavin K. Duffy, Chief Deputy United States Marshal for Eastern Washington. “While this case has garnered significant attention, the partnership and teamwork between local, state, and federal agencies occurs every day in Eastern Washington to maximize both the benefit to our community and to ensure the Rule of Law is maintained.”
The FBI, Internal Revenue Service, and U.S. Marshals Service investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Fruchter and Jeremy J. Kelley are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
Tri Cities Man Who Attempted to Escape Law Enforcement Sentenced to More Than 13 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking FentanylRead the Press Release
Richland, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Sharte Dashon Kimble, age 32, has been sentenced after pleading guilty to conspiracy to Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl. Senior United States District Court Judge Edward F. Shea imposed a sentence of 165 months in federal custody. At the time of the offense, Kimble was on supervised release following a conviction on federal drug and firearms charges. As a penalty for the supervised release violation, Senior Judge Shea imposed a penalty of 25 months which will be served consecutively to the 165-month sentence imposed in this case.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, in June of 2023, the Missouri River Drug Task Force in Helena, Montana, developed information that Kimble was a large source of supply of illegal narcotics. Law enforcement arranged a controlled buy of fentanyl pills from Kimble at the Walmart in Kennewick, Washington.
On June 15, 2023, Kimble was identified as the driver of gray Mercedes E350 that was parked in the Walmart parking lot. As the controlled buy was underway, multiple law enforcement vehicles approached the Mercedes, with the occupants wearing marked vests and their emergency lights activated.
Kimble saw the units moving in and took off running towards Highway 395. Kimble tossed a bag of fentanyl pills and a cell phone away as he attempted to escape law enforcement. Investigators located the bag and phone. Inside the bag were two one-gallon-sized plastic bags that contained approximately 20,283 fentanyl pills.
Investigators searched the Mercedes and located a loaded Glock .380 caliber pistol that had been reported stolen, a loaded magazine, cocaine packed in small plastic bags, almost $40,000 in cash, more than 1,000 fentanyl pills, as well as receipt for a storage unit in Yakima, Washington.
Investigators searched the Yakima storage unit and located hundreds of rounds of ammunition, extended magazines, a Glock pistol, a Norinco rifle, a Colt. 22 rifle, a 2-pound brick of cocaine, and several vials of small blue pills.
“Our community is safer and stronger today because of Mr. Kimble’s sentence. Despite a prior conviction on similar charges, Mr. Kimble was undeterred and continued to supply large quantities of deadly fentanyl and other illegal narcotics, all while possessing stolen firearms. Additionally, when investigators moved in to take Mr. Kimble into custody, he attempted to escape putting members of the Tri-Cities community at risk,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Prosecutors in my office, working alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to target those driving the fentanyl epidemic and hold them accountable.”
“This sentence is clearly warranted based on Mr. Kimble’s extensive and expansive illegal actions involving firearms and narcotics,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “This was not the first time ATF has investigated Mr. Kimble, in fact he was on federal probation when he was arrested for these crimes, and we hope this sentence makes him reflect on, and change, his behavior.”
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Missouri River Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Kennewick Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca Perez and Stephanie Van Marter.
Pullman, Washington Father, Who Allegedly Took Child from Washington to Mexico, Indicted on Federal Kidnapping ChargesRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Aaron Aung was charged by criminal complaint on one count of International Parental Kidnapping. Aung was arraigned in federal court on August 2, 2024.
According to the complaint, on June 3, 2024, Aung was supposed to travel to the Pullman Police Department for a custody exchange of the victim with the victim’s mother. Aung and the victim never arrived for the custody exchange. Instead, agents with the FBI and U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP) obtained photos of a vehicle Aung was allegedly driving, which had crossed into Mexico on June 1, 2024, at the Andrade, California, Port of Entry.
The complaint further alleges that on July 4, 2024, Aung, the victim, and Aung’s fiancé, Nadia Cole, were contacted by Mexican officials in Mexico. Cole later was deported from Mexico to the United States, while Aung and the victim remained in Mexico at that time. Three days later, on July 7, 2024, Aung and the victim were encountered by Mexican officials near the United States-Mexico border in Nogales, Mexico. Aung and the victim were then deported by Mexican officials to the port of entry near Nogales, Arizona, where they were presented to CBP officials. CBP then took custody of both Aung and the victim. CBP also detained Aung on an outstanding felony warrant issued out of Whitman County, Washington for custodial interference first degree.
“Children deserve to live in a world where they are safe, surrounded by adults who love and care for them,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Our office prioritizes offenses against our community’s youngest and most vulnerable victims and will continue to aggressively prosecute those who harm children.”
This case is being investigated by the FBI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca Perez and Michael J. Ellis.
A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Mead Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud for Defrauding COVID-19 Relief ProgramsRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Antonio Feliciano Crawford, age 54, of Mead Washington, pleaded guilty to one count of Bank Fraud. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice accepted Crawford’s guilty plea and scheduled a sentencing hearing for October 30, 2024, in Spokane, Washington.
On March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act provided a number of programs through which eligible small businesses could request and obtain relief funding intended to mitigate the economic impacts of the pandemic for small and local businesses. One program, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) program, offered forgivable loans to eligible small businesses in order to retain or rehire employees who lost their jobs, or were in danger of doing so, due to the pandemic. Another program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, provided low interest loans that could be deferred until the conclusion of the pandemic to provide “bridge” funding for small businesses to maintain their operations during shutdowns and other economic circumstances caused by the pandemic. The PPP and EIDL programs have provided billions of dollars in aid, the vast majority of which have not been paid back, including hundreds of millions of dollars disbursed within Eastern Washington.
In the plea agreement accepted by the court, and in information disclosed during court proceedings, Crawford, age 54, of Mead, Washington, filed false and fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications during 2020 and 2021 on behalf of four companies purportedly owned and operated by Crawford: Tann LLC, Crawford Entertainment, A&M Personal Training LLC, and a sole proprietorship doing business as “Antonio Crawford.” Crawford submitted false and fraudulent information and documentation, including fraudulent and fictitious purported tax returns for the companies, in order to obtain at least $186,971 in PPP and EIDL funding for which he was not eligible.
U.S Attorney Waldref highlighted the dedication of prosecutors and investigators that make up the COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force. “This guilty plea is the result of many hours of tireless work by members of the COVID-19 Fraud Task Force, which is dedicated to the mission of fighting COVID fraud in Eastern Washington. Mr. Crawford repeatedly took advantage of federal programs designed to provide a financial lifeline to small and local businesses during an unprecedented global pandemic. I am grateful for the close law enforcement partnerships we enjoy in the Eastern District of Washington that allow federal prosecutors in my office to target fraudsters and hold them accountable for their actions.”
“Though HSI encounters many different types of crooks and fraudsters, there is something particularly vile about those that would take advantage of crucial government aid programs when they are needed the most,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “Our agents will continue to support the law enforcement partnerships that are investigating COVID-19 related fraud, maintaining fairness in the programs that are important to the resiliency of our nation.”
"This case demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of COVID-19 relief programs,” said SBA OIG’s Western Region Special Agent in Charge Weston King. “Fraudulent activities undermine the purpose of these essential programs, designed to support legitimate small businesses struggling during the pandemic. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for remaining vigilant in identifying and pursuing those who exploit federal relief efforts for personal gain."
In February 2022, U.S. Attorney Waldref and the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) began working with federal law enforcement agencies to create and launch a COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force that would leverage partnerships between different agencies to aggressively investigate and prosecute fraud against COVID-19 relief programs in Eastern Washington. The Strike Force consists of agency representatives from the USAO, Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Department of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs OIG, General Services Administration OIG, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) OIG, Internal Revenue Service, Department of Energy OIG, and others.
This case was investigated by the HSI Spokane Field Office, TIGTA, SBA OIG, and the Department of Homeland Security OIG. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Fruchter, Jeremy J. Kelley, and Devin C. Curda.
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Serial Offender Sentenced to Federal Prison on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Gage Lyle Forsberg, age 30, was sentenced after pleading guilty to Distribution of 40 Grams or More of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice imposed a sentence of 175 months and 6 days imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
In imposing this lengthy sentence, Judge Rice considered Forsberg’s extensive criminal history as well as the string of crimes Forsberg engaged in that ultimately resulted in this federal indictment.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on October 21, 2021, the Spokane Police Department (SPD) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Forsberg for reckless driving. Forsberg was arrested. During a search, SPD located $1,120 on Forsberg, as well as drug paraphernalia and 9 fentanyl pills in the vehicle. Forsberg was booked into jail and ultimately released.
While that case was pending, on February 4, 2022, SPD spotted Forsberg driving a stolen vehicle with a smashed-out window. SPD arrested Forsberg and during a search, SPD located a baggie of fentanyl pills, cash, and a loaded magazine for a handgun. Inside the vehicle, SPD located a loaded 9mm firearm with the serial number ground off, a 10mm firearm that had been reported stolen, several boxes of ammunition as well as loose rounds of ammunition, multiple knives, more than $22,000, five baseball-sized bags of fentanyl pills, and a bag containing heroin. SPD also located a glass punch, which is used to break vehicle windows. Forsberg was booked into jail and ultimately released t.
A few days later, on February 20, 2022, a 911 caller reported Forsberg had a weapon and was trying to start a fight at a location in Spokane. A witness saw Forsberg was armed and yelled “gun” to alert others. Forsberg took a gun out of his pants and threw it into the street. A bystander retrieved the gun and rendered it safe. When SPD arrived, Forsberg was contacted and arrested. During a search incident to arrest, SPD located $2,980, suboxone strips, a baggie containing fentanyl, and a 9mm magazine. The firearm Forsberg tossed into the street was a 9mm pistol. Forsberg was booked into jail and ultimately released.
On October 26, 2022, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), arranged a controlled buy of approximately 700 fentanyl pills from Forsberg using an undercover agent. Forsberg had two other individuals with him, co-defendants Jonah Chapin and Brady Towner. While the undercover agent was negotiating the sale with Forsberg, Towner brandished a gun and moved to a position of advantage behind the undercover agent. Seeing this, surveillance units gave the signal to call off the deal and the undercover agent walked away. Forsberg then followed the agent and insisted on the sale, which they completed.
Following the sale, Forsberg left the area driving a green Ford Explorer. Given the presence of a firearm and menacing conduct, law enforcement activated their emergency lights and sirens in an attempt to stop Forsberg’s vehicle in Airway Heights. Forsberg failed to yield and ultimately fled, driving recklessly to escape. Forsberg was subsequently federally indicted, and a warrant issued for his arrest.
On November 15, 2022, ATF saw Forsberg driving a vehicle in the Spokane area. ATF attempted to contact the vehicle; however, the vehicle attempted to flee. The vehicle was boxed in by ATF vehicles and stopped. The occupants of the vehicle were not compliant with commands and the vehicle’s windows were heavily tinted, which prevented ATF from initially seeing what was happening in the vehicle and raised safety concerns given the conduct during the October encounter.
Forsberg, Chapin, and Forsberg’s then girlfriend EvaMarie Miller were ultimately removed from the vehicle and detained. During a search of the vehicle, agents seized bags containing large quantities of fentanyl pills and approximately $20,000 in Forsberg’s backpack, two loaded handguns (to include one readily accessible in the driver’s door panel), boxed ammunition, several cell phones, drug ledgers, and a small amount of methamphetamine. There were also many loose fentanyl pills strewn throughout the vehicle as if a large bag of fentanyl pills was carelessly ripped open. Chapin was found to have approximately 100 fentanyl pills in a fake battery on his person as well as brass knuckles.
Forsberg’s co-defendants were previously sentenced for their respective roles in Forsberg’s activities. Chapin was sentenced to 40 months in prison, Towner was sentenced to 84 months in prison, and Miller was sentenced to 36 months in prison.
“Mr. Forsberg showed a willful disregard for the law and the safety of our communities by repeatedly engaging in drug trafficking, recklessly attempting to elude law enforcement, illegally possessing stolen firearms, and vehicle theft,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Members of my Office come to work every day to make Eastern Washington safe for everyone. We accomplish that by working hand in hand with our law enforcement partners to hold individuals accountable who engage in dangerous conduct and repeatedly flout the rule of law.”
“Guns and drugs are a losing combination, particularly when used together in the commission of a crime,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “Mr. Forsberg knew what he was doing was wrong, then exacerbated it by fleeing from law enforcement twice. He certainly earned this justified sentence.”
This case was investigated by the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Moses Lake Police Department, and the Spokane Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin Baunsgard.
Moses Lake Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Arson over a Drug DebtRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that David Alexander Maybee, age 25, of Moses Lake, Washington, was sentenced after pleading guilty to Malicious Destruction of Property by Fire. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice imposed a sentence of 60 months imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on January 21, 2022, Maybee and 3 others drove to the Motel 6 in Moses Lake. The driver of the vehicle parked nearby. Maybee and another man got out of the vehicle and walked to an Audi parked in the motel parking lot. Using a water bottle filled with gasoline they had obtained from a gas station earlier that night, the man poured gasoline over the Audi while Maybee acted as a lookout. The man lit the gasoline on fire and the pair ran back to their vehicle and left the scene. Moses Lake Fire Department and Moses Lake Police Department (MLPD) responded quickly and were able to extinguish the fire. While the vehicle was a total loss, no one was injured. The incident was captured on the Motel 6 surveillance cameras.
Follow-up investigation showed that the three individuals, to include Maybee, acted on the behalf of a local drug dealer, and the vehicle was torched over an outstanding drug debt. The three were expecting a cash reward from the drug dealer for their actions.
As discussed at the sentencing hearing, just a month after the arson, Maybee and an accomplice robbed a local Carl’s Jr. to get money to pay a drug debt that they owed to their drug dealer. Maybee was sentenced in Grant County Superior Court to 171 months of custody (22-1-0045-13). That same month, February 2022, Maybee and an accomplice kicked in the back door of a home in Moses Lake and stole multiple firearms and ammunition.
In imposing sentencing, Judge Rice noted Maybee’s criminal history was “atrocious” and warned that after serving his sentences, if he returns to the community and commits additional crimes, he will likely spend the rest of his life in prison.
“This case starkly demonstrates the dangerous nexus between illicit drugs and violence. Mr. Maybee participated in an arson to settle a drug debt that placed our first responders and entire community at risk,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I am grateful for our strong partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement who protect our neighborhoods and work so effectively with our office to hold accountable individuals who are the largest drivers of violent crime.”
“While Mr. Maybee didn’t actually light the fire his part in this crime was still extremely troubling,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “Taken as a whole, the dangers posed by his and his accomplice’s actions clearly warrant this sentence.”
This case was investigated by the ATF and the Moses Lake Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin Baunsgard.
Wapato Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Violent AssaultRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington - Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Nicholas Dean Elwell, age 40, of Wapato, Washington, to 46 months in federal prison on one count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. Chief District Judge Bastian also imposed 3 years of federal supervision after Elwell is released from prison.
According to court documents and information disclosed at sentencing, on June 3, 2023, the victim, who is an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation, went to Elwell’s home in Wapato, Washington. Elwell accused the victim of cheating on her and became upset. Elwell, who was wearing steel toed boots, repeatedly kicked the victim in her face and torso, grabbed the victim by her hair and punched her several times. Elwell also stomped on the victim’s stomach. The victim told investigators she could not eat for a week because of the pain from that injury. The victim was eventually able to escape out a bathroom window.
When law enforcement encountered the victim later that night, investigators observed one of the victim’s eyes was almost swollen shut, there was swelling on the victim’s forehead and both sides of her face. Additionally, there was blood on her lips. Law enforcement also observed dried blood on Elwell’s clothing, left boot, and bedsheets.
“I want to commend the courage of the victim in this case for coming forward and engaging with law enforcement to hold her abuser accountable,” stated United States Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “By working with our tribal and federal law enforcement partners, we can continue to build trust and foster safer and stronger communities on Tribal lands and throughout Eastern Washington.”
“Without the cooperation of the victim in this case, Mr. Elwell may not have been held accountable for his horrific actions.” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “Fortunately, the victim was able to escape the extreme violence of the attack. I want to commend the efforts of our investigators and partners to help reduce violent crime against our state’s indigenous population.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Yakama Nation Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney R. Pratten.
Spokane Man Sentenced to More Than 22 Years in Prison Following Seizure of Large Quantity of Fentanyl-Laced Pills in Spokane Valley, WashingtonRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Jordy Scott Deboer, age 32, of Spokane, Washington, was sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine and one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice imposed a sentence of 272 months imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on March 30, 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force executed several federal search warrants at the Motel 6 in Spokane Valley, Washington. The Task Force seized approximately 24.7 pounds of fentanyl-laced pills (approx. 83,000 pills), 2 pounds of methamphetamine, 1 pound of cocaine, as well as 2 firearms, and more than $13,000 in US Currency. Deboer and Matthew Sailors (a.k.a. Rabbit) were arrested.
Prior to this incident, Deboer was previously arrested and federally indicted for trafficking in large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl pills from the Tri-Cities, Washington area to the Spokane, Washington area. After his indictment, Deboer was released from federal custody to attend inpatient drug treatment.
A short time after Deboer’s release from custody to attend inpatient treatment, the Safe Streets Task Force received information he had re-engaged in drug trafficking activities, this time with Sailors. Deboer and Sailors were located at the Motel 6 in Spokane Valley engaging in drug trafficking activities, to include selling fentanyl pills. Law enforcement acted quickly, obtaining multiple federal search warrants. During the execution of the search warrants, Deboer was encountered in a hallway of the motel. When he saw law enforcement approaching him, Deboer took out a loaded firearm out of his waistband and threw it. Deboer also dropped a large black duffle bag that contained a large amount of controlled substances and tried to run away. He was quickly caught.
On September 6, 2023, Sailors pleaded guilty to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of a Mixture or Substance Containing Fentanyl. On December 13, 2023, Sailors was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
“The significant amount of illicit drugs seized in this case demonstrates the need for law enforcement intervention to address the fentanyl crisis. I am grateful for the quick actions of the Safe Streets Task Force and the prosecutors in my office, who have worked to stop Mr. Deboer’s drug trafficking activities, including after he was released from custody after his initial indictment,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “My office will continue to relentlessly remove deadly fentanyl and other narcotics from Eastern Washington communities and will hold accountable those who seek to profit from the illicit sale of illegal drugs.”
“Mr. DeBoer’s previous time in custody did not deter him from engaging in the same type of activities which resulted in his prior incarceration.” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “Each Fentanyl pill that remains on the street has the potential to destroy the life, not only of the person taking it, but also of the people who loved and cared for them. The FBI and our partners will continue the work of removing these dangerous drugs off our streets.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of agents of the FBI and United States Border Patrol, as well as detectives for the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, the Spokane Police Department, the Spokane Valley Police Department, and the Washington State Department of Corrections. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin Baunsgard.
Spokane Bank Manager Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing more than $345,000Read the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Jessica Ann Marshall, age 28, of Spokane, Washington, was sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of Theft and Embezzlement by Bank Employee. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice imposed a sentence of 24 months imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, as well as restitution of $345,664.66 to be paid to the victim, the Bank of Idaho. Judge Rice ordered Ms. Marshall to be taken into custody immediately following the sentencing hearing.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, between June 2023 and September 2023, Marshall was working as a Bank Manager at the Bank of Idaho’s downtown Spokane, Washington branch. Using her position as a manager, Marshall stole and embezzled at least $345,664 in cash from the bank vault, ATM, and her cash drawer.
Marshall falsified documents to reconcile the cash and directed bank employees to sign falsified count sheets in order to hide her theft and embezzlement. Marshall also used her position as Bank Manger to make fraudulent deposit transactions into her spouse’s account. These fraudulent transactions reflected that money was being deposited into the account; however, no funds were deposited.
When Bank of Idaho inquired about the deposits into her spouse’s account, Marshall attempted to conceal her conduct by using a co-worker’s email account to send an e-mail with false information. Marshall then accessed the computer of another co-worker to delete an email from Bank of Idaho inquiring about the deposits.
“Ms. Marshall abused her position of extraordinary trust to enrich herself. When her conduct was discovered, Ms. Marshall attempted to obstruct the investigation into her actions,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I want to especially commend the FBI’s exceptional investigative work on this important case. Crimes like those committed by Ms. Marshall erode public confidence in financial institutions. By holding those accountable who commit theft, we restore trust and help keep Eastern Washington safe and strong.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Spokane Resident Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Fruchter prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Case No. 2:24-CR-00040-TOR
Okanagan Woman Indicted in Connection with Theft of Colville Tribe Funds from Family MemberRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that a federal grand jury has indicted Nina Rae Tatshama-Marchand, of Okanagan County, Washington, for bank fraud in connection with the unauthorized withdrawal and transfer of funds belong to a developmentally-disabled member of the Colville Tribe.
The Indictment announced today charges Nina Rae Tatshama-Marchand, of Okanagan County, Washington, with five counts of bank fraud. The Indictment alleges that Tatshama-Marchand opened a checking account with a developmentally-disabled minor and that after the victim, an enrolled member of the Colville Tribe, turned 18, he received tribal funds due to his tribal membership. The indictment alleges that Tatshama-Marchand diverted the vast majority of the funds intended for the victim into her own accounts and converted it for her own personal use. According to the indictment, Tatshama-Marchand fraudulently obtained at least $34,900.00 in this manner.
“Protecting vulnerable members of the community and safeguarding precious and limited tribal funds are top priorities of our office,” said United States Attorney Waldref. “My office will work closely with our law enforcement partners to hold fraudsters accountable when they prey on innocent members of the community in order to line their own pockets.”
The fraud charges carry sentences of up to 30 years in federal prison as well as restitution for fraudulently-obtained funds. This case was investigated by the FBI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frieda K. Zimmerman.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Case No: 2:24-CR-81-TOR
Man Who Attempted to Shoot and Kill A Spokane Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Ray Anthony Wynecoop pleaded guilty on June 26, 2024, to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl, one count of Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime, and one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke accepted Wynecoop’s guilty plea and scheduled a sentencing hearing for September 25, 2024, in Spokane, Washington.
In the plea agreement accepted by the court, and in information disclosed during court proceedings, Wynecoop was involved in two separate incidents. First, on December 11, 2021, an officer with the Spokane Police Department (SPD) observed Wynecoop, who was driving a white Dodge Charger with no license plates, fail to use a turn signal. SPD attempted to conduct a traffic stop using the patrol car’s lights and siren. Instead of stopping, Wynecoop began driving erratically in attempt to elude SPD, including driving at excessive speeds on residential streets. SPD stopped following the vehicle when it became too dangerous.
A short time later SPD located the Dodge Charger and observed that it had been involved in a crash. Wynecoop attempted to run from the scene but was arrested.
During a search of the Charger, law enforcement located a loaded 9mm pistol with a black laser mounted on the end of the barrel, a backpack with Wynecoop’s ID and two more lasers for the pistol. Officers also located a .380 semi-automatic pistol inside the vehicle, as well as a fanny pack that contained once ounce of heroin and fentanyl laced pills.
The second incident occurred on June 26, 2022, when Wynecoop was armed with a .22 caliber pistol that had a loaded drum-style high-capacity magazine seated in the firearm. Wynecoop, along with another man, were involved in multiple drive-by shootings. Based upon video evidence, they intentionally set out to locate a police officer and kill them. Wynecoop and his passenger began to follow a SPD officer and when a second officer came to their aid, Wynecoop opened fire, shooting the officer in the leg and the head. The other man with Wynecoop, videotaped it. The officer thankfully recovered from his injuries.
During a search of the vehicle used by Wynecoop in the shooting, detectives located thousands of fentanyl pills, a small quantity of heroin, and other drug related items.
On April 5, 2024, Wynecoop was sentenced in Washington State Court to more than 65 years in prison on multiple charges in connection to the shooting. The federal case was brought during the pendency of those state charges.
“The violence in this case is shocking. Mr Wynecoop, a felon who was not allowed to possess firearms, went on a violent criminal spree that included a premeditated attempt to kill a police officer. His blatant disregard for the law and the safety of our community put all of us at incredible risk,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I am grateful for the brave men and women of law enforcement who place themselves in harm’s way every day to keep us safe from individuals taking dangerous actions like Mr. Wynecoop.”
“This case highlights the importance of our collaboration with federal, state, and local partners, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington, the Spokane Police Department, and the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office, to find innovative solutions to take violent offenders off the street,” said Ron Deist, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, DEA Spokane District Office.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Spokane County Sheriff's Office and the Spokane Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter.
United States Seeks Forfeiture of Ellensburg Home Used for Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that the United States filed a civil forfeiture complaint in the Eastern District of Washington against a house in Ellensburg, Washington that allegedly was used to distribute illegal drugs.
The Complaint alleges the home was purchased on September 30, 2011, by June Green. The home is on the same block as a preschool and only one block away from the public library and a church in one direction and the local middle school in another. It is two blocks away from the Ellensburg Police (EPD) station.
According to the Complaint, EPD became familiar with the occupants of the home in 2014 because of repeated visits to the property. Since 2014, EPD responded to the property more than 300 times. The allegations in the Complaint are that Green, her children, and those they allow to live at the property, have repeatedly used the property to facilitate drug use and distribution for years.
The Complaint alleges EPD has conducted multiple controlled buys of illegal narcotics including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin at the home. EPD has also responded for a variety of calls at the property involving, among other things, a drug overdose, a stabbing, an assault with a golf club, animal cruelty, burglary, debit card theft, threating neighborhood children with a baseball bat, a welfare check that resulted in the alleged assault of EPD officers, vehicle theft, noise complaints, trespassing, and code violations for garbage and yard growth.
“The property named in the complaint is just a short distance from public spaces where the community should be able to safely learn, worship, and enjoy time with their families and loved ones,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “My office is committed to working to keep communities safe and strong, including by using resources when appropriate to forfeit properties maintained for drug use and distribution. Such properties present a serious safety risk for neighbors, families, and communities in Eastern Washington.”
This case was investigated by the Ellensburg Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian M. Donovan.
The complaint can be found below.
Complaint for Ellensburg HouseA civil forfeiture complaint is merely an allegation that money or property was involved in or facilitated illegal activity or represents the proceeds of crime. These allegations are not proven unless and until a court enters judgment in favor of the United States.
Three Men Facing Federal Charges in Connection to Seizure of Methamphetamine and Thousands of Fentanyl PillsRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington- Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that three men are facing federal drug charges. Osvaldo Guadalupe Soto-Orduno, Jose Roman Lizarraga Gerardo, and Jose Efrain Gonzalez Rodriguez were charged by criminal complaint with Conspiracy to Distribute 400 Grams or More of a Mixture Containing Fentanyl and 500 Grams or More of a Mixture Containing Methamphetamine.
According to the complaint, on June 26, 2024, DEA investigators identified a Toyota Corolla, believed to be used to transport drugs, travel to a house in Spokane. Investigators observed Lizarraga and Soto get out of the Toyota and enter the home. Soto was then allegedly observed carrying a black bag into the house. A short time later, investigators observed Lizarraga and Soto exit the house with the bag and leave in the Toyota.
Law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of the Toyota. According to the complaint, Soto consented to a search of the vehicle. During the search, investigators located several large bundles of U.S. currency packaged in a manner which officers recognized as consistent with large scale drug trafficking.
The complaint further alleges that investigators later observed Gonzalez-Rodriguez and another man exit the residence carrying a black backpack and depart in an Acura sedan. A vehicle stop was conducted on the Acura. According to the complaint, investigators conducted a search of the Acura and located approximately 7,000 pills presumed to be fentanyl as well as two pounds of presumed methamphetamine inside the vehicle.
According to the complaint, investigators conducted a search of the residence and located 61,000 pills believed to be fentanyl, more than three pounds of methamphetamine, more than a pound of cocaine, a small quantity of heroin, and four firearms.
“The fentanyl epidemic is taking lives at an unprecedented pace,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “My office is committed to working with our with our law enforcement partners to remove large quantities of deadly drugs from the streets and to disrupt drug networks.”
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Spokane Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement and Narcotics (RAVEN) task force and the United States Border Patrol. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy J. Ohms.
A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Man Pleads Guilty to Operating a Cryptocurrency Investment Scheme and Defrauding Investors of More than $350,000Read the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Michael Joseph McElhiney, age 37, formerly of Spokane, Washington, pleaded guilty to Wire Fraud. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice accepted McElhiney’s guilty plea and scheduled a sentencing hearing for September 25, 2024, in Spokane, Washington.
In the plea agreement accepted by the court, and in information disclosed during court proceedings, between March 4, 2021, and September 10, 2022, McElhiney defrauded investors by pretending to operate a cryptocurrency investment fund known as MAC Blockchain Solutions. McElhiney promised prospective investors that he and his purported business partners ran a successful cryptocurrency investment fund that invested in emerging cryptocurrencies and other blockchain-based projects, such as Ethereum staking and cryptocurrency liquidity pools.
McElhiney typically contacted his victims in person. For example, he solicited individuals working as Uber drivers whom he met while taking Uber rides in their vehicles, as well as women whom he met through dating apps. McElhiney also met victims online playing the video game “Call of Duty” under the username “Bing Bong.” McElhiney often met with victims several times and developed personal relationships with them before successfully soliciting and receiving funds.
McElhiney promised that he would invest funds provided by investors and manage those investments for the benefit of his clients. McElhiney promised guaranteed or variable returns depending on the supposed investment vehicle, and always promised investors that they could liquidate their investments and get their money back at any time. McElhiney then sent investors information using a platform called Coin.FYI that purported to track the progress of their investments. In actuality, McElhiney never invested the funds provided by investors, but instead kept the funds for his own personal use, specifically to gamble at casinos, among other purposes. The purported Coin.FYI accounts that McElhiney showed investors did not correspond to any actual investment funds but instead were fabricated figures intended to convince investors that McElhiney had invested their funds and that the investments were appreciating in value.
McElhiney defrauded investors of more than $350,000 in this manner, including defrauding investors not only of cash but rare art and precious metals.
McElhiney continued to falsely and fraudulently represent to victims that their assets had been invested in a cryptocurrency fund when victims sought to remove their assets from the “fund.” McElhiney falsely and fraudulently represented that he could not timely return victims’ assets because, among other reasons: MAC Solutions had experienced security breaches; McElhiney was out of the country and unable to facilitate withdrawals; McElhiney and MAC Solutions had been the victims of theft; payment processing platforms had paused withdrawals; and there were other delays in processing withdrawals.
U.S. Attorney Waldref stated that no matter the means or the method, fraudsters will be held accountable. “Mr. McElhiney’s scheme involved a new form of digital currency, but his goal was old as time – to separate his victims from their money. My heart goes out to the victims who were defrauded out of their hard-earned money that they needed to take care of themselves and their loved ones. I want to especially applaud Homeland Security Investigations and Spokane Police Department, who both did an incredible job investigating this case and identifying victims of Mr. McElhiney’s fraud. My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to vigorously prosecute fraudsters who take advantage of innocent victims in order to enrich themselves.”
“Fraud involving cryptocurrency is particularly concerning as it can be difficult to trace and recover stolen funds, financially devastating victims while eroding trust in digital financial systems,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “Fortunately, HSI agents in partnership with the Spokane Police Department, were able to prevent this fraudster from taking advantage of more victims.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Spokane Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Fruchter.
Department of Justice and EPA File Complaint Against Lower Yakima Valley Dairies for Failing to Control Nitrate Contamination in Drinking WaterRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Justice filed a Complaint in federal district court alleging three large dairies located north of Granger in the Lower Yakima Valley failed to adequately control nitrate contamination from their operations. This nitrate contamination may affect the drinking water wells of nearby community members. High levels of nitrate in drinking water can be harmful, especially for infants, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions.
Dairies generate large quantities of liquid and solid animal waste, which contains nitrogen which can turn into nitrate in the soil. Nitrate can migrate into groundwater if not managed properly.
In the complaint, EPA alleges these dairies, which collectively have over 30,000 animals, have failed to comply with a legal agreement they entered into with EPA in 2013 which aimed to reduce nitrate leaching from their facilities and protect downgradient residents with nitrate contaminated well water. This agreement included requirements that the dairies provide a drinking water alternative to residents that use private drinking water wells with high levels of nitrate, control potential sources of nitrogen at the dairies, and conduct quarterly groundwater monitoring.
“Protecting access to safe drinking water for everyone in the Yakima Valley is critical for public health and a high quality of life for our region,” stated Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. “Strong and fair enforcement of environmental and public health laws ensures a healthy and safe community for all families to live, learn, play, and work.”
EPA is working with state agencies to reduce high levels of nitrate found in groundwater supplies throughout the Lower Yakima Valley and has provided funding to the Department of Health to increase groundwater and air quality education and outreach in the Lower Yakima Valley, which includes free well testing and free drinking water for homes in Yakima County whose wells exceed EPA’s health-based standard for nitrate of 10 mg/L.
“I urge residents and community members who rely on wells located south and southwest of these dairies to get their wells tested for nitrate,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “When we protect our water, we protect our families and our entire community.”
More information from the EPA about high nitrate levels in residential drinking water wells in the Lower Yakima Valley can be found here.
If your home is located in Yakima County, and you are concerned about nitrate in your drinking water, contact the Lower Yakima Valley Groundwater Management Area Safe Drinking Water Initiative at 1-866-886-7117.
A copy of the complaint can be found below.
ComplaintU.S. Attorney’s Office Honors and Celebrates Historical Legacy of JuneteenthRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref announced today that she will join with Federal, State, and Local leaders, in celebrating Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.
“Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865, more than two years after the emancipation proclamation took effect, when Major General Gordon Granger landed troops in Galveston, Texas and announced all enslaved persons in that state were now free,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “It is a chance to celebrate the progress made in the fight for civil rights. It is also a day to recognize the work still to be done and recommit ourselves to ensuring freedom and justice for all.”
As part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office commitment to vigorously enforcing civil rights laws, the office’s United Against Hate program directly connects the United States Attorney’s Office and its local and federal law enforcement partners with a diverse group of community organizations to increase community understanding and reporting of hate crimes and hate incidents. This community outreach program seeks to address the chronic underreporting of hate crimes and hate incidents and build strong relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve to share resources and respond to potential unlawful acts of hate more effectively. Consistent with this program, the U.S. Attorney’s Office created a dedicated hotline and online portal for complaints of civil rights violations in Eastern Washington.
U.S. Attorney Waldref further emphasized everyone has a duty to help realize the goal of protecting marginalized groups and the public from hate-motivated crimes. “Working together we can create an Eastern Washington of shared values and foster hope that our communities can be safer, stronger, and more inclusive.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office’s online civil rights complaint form is available here. The form can be emailed to [email protected], or concerns can be shared by leaving a voice mail for our Civil Rights Team at (509) 835-6306.
Spokane Property Management Company Agrees to Pay More Than $300,000 for Fraudulently Claiming Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars in Rent Assistance During COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington announced All Star Property Management, LLC (All Star), a property management company located in Spokane, and Arlin Jordan, have agreed to pay $329,196 to resolve claims they falsely and fraudulently claimed hundreds of thousands of dollars in rent assistance intended to benefit struggling renters during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress established an Emergency Rent Assistance program to provide funds through local and tribal governments to benefit struggling renters who had fallen behind on rent due to unemployment or other hardship. In Washington, the program was known as the Treasury Rent Assistance Program (T-RAP). Under T-RAP, landlords or property management companies could apply for T-RAP federal funding for a tenant’s past due and projected unpaid rent. As a material condition of receiving federal funds, landlords were required to certify that the information included in the T-RAP application, including the rent amounts, were truthful and accurate, and to certify compliance with material T-RAP program requirements. Landlords were further required to apply any funds received for a particular tenant to that tenant’s balance.
According to court documents, during the relevant time period, All Star was a property management company, owned by Gieve Parker, that managed rental properties on behalf of landlords in Spokane, including several properties owned by Arlin Jordin. Jordin was currently serving a prison sentence at the Coyote Ridge Corrections Center in Connell, Washington, for drugging and raping a tenant, but Jordan continued to own and collect income from Spokane properties managed by All Star, for which All Star and Jordin split the rental income.
“All-Star Property Management, Ms. Parker, and Mr. Jordin used false and fraudulent information as part of a scheme targeting precious and limited rent assistance funds. As a result, they lined their pockets with money that should have been used to keep people in a safe, secure, affordable home during a deadly pandemic,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Landlords and property management companies need to play by the rules. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who abuse critically important housing support programs.”
As All Star Property admitted in the Settlement Agreement, All Star Property and Parker certified and submitted T-RAP applications that contained inaccurate information, including, inflated monthly rental amounts, owed rent money for months when the residents were not living at the property, and owed rent money for months where tenants were receiving rental assistance from outside organizations. This inaccurate information resulted in overpayment of federal emergency rental assistance funds for which All Star and Parker were not eligible. With respect to rental properties managed by All Star Property for Jordin, a management fee was subtracted from received T-RAP funds and retained by All Star Property, and the remaining received T-RAP funds were paid to Jordin. The result of which was that Jordin received overpayment of T-RAP funds that he was not otherwise entitled to.
United States Attorney Waldref further stated that, “Importantly, this case came out of Washington’s right-to-counsel program for indigent renters facing eviction. Equal access to justice in eviction defense is helping shine a light on these fraudulent practices in ways that was not possible before this important program existed. We will continue working with community and housing rights organizations like the Northwest Justice Project to hold landlords accountable when they put profits before tenant’s rights.”
This case was originally brought by the Northwest Justice Project, Washington’s largest legal aid organization, on behalf of Krystal Jeffries, a former tenant in a property owned by Jordin and managed by All Star. Under the False Claims Act, whistleblowers may file an action under seal in federal court. The United States investigates the allegations and determines whether to intervene in the action. Under the False Claims Act, the United States may recover up to three times the damages caused by the Defendant, plus additional penalties for each false claim or statement. Over the past decade, False Claims Act recoveries in the Eastern District of Washington have exceeded $400 million. If the United States obtains a recovery, the whistleblower is generally able to share in a portion of the recovery. Here, Relator Krystal Jeffries will recover more than $68,000 of the settlement amount, plus additional attorney fees of $18,660 recovered by the Northwest Justice Project.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jake Brooks and Dan Fruchter prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Spokane Resident Office.
A copy of the settlement agreement can be found below:
Settlement AgreementWhite Swan Woman Pleads Guilty to Murder on the Yakama NationRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Tahsheena Stacy Sam, 35, of White Swan, Washington, pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder in Indian Country for the murder of Destiny Lloyd, who was an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke accepted Sam’s guilty plea and scheduled a sentencing hearing for September 17, 2024, in Yakima, Washington.
In the plea agreement accepted by the court, and in information disclosed during court proceedings, on December 25, 2017, the victim, Destiny Lloyd, who was 23 years old at the time, was socializing with a group of friends. The Defendant, whom Lloyd did not know, also joined the group.
Later that evening, Sam, and others who were with her, decided to rob Ms. Lloyd. The group drove to an area near Harrah Road and Marion Drain Road on the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation. There, money was forcibly taken from Lloyd, and Lloyd was then left on the side of the road.
After the assault, members of the group became concerned that Lloyd might report the incident. They then drove back to where they left her and used a flashlight to follow her tracks in the snow. Sam found Lloyd. She then obtained a large wrench from another member of the group and used the wrench to strike Lloyd several times on the head. Sam and the others left Lloyd’s body where it was discovered by a passing motorist a few days later.
“My heart breaks for the victim and her family. Ms. Lloyd’s loss leaves a hole that cannot ever be filled,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “This case involved a lengthy investigation and witnesses that were not always forthcoming with law enforcement. Yet, the FBI and Yakama Nation Tribal Police remained undeterred and continued investigating this case – following available leads, which ultimately led to Ms. Sam. While federal law enforcement often is unable to disclose to the public each step in an investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s office, FBI, and Yakama Nation have remained committed to securing justice for victims of violent crime, including for Ms. Lloyd and her family. We work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to pursue those who cause harm in our community and to address the root causes leading to the crisis of murdered or missing Indigenous people.”
“It is hard to comprehend the wanton violence of this case,” said Kelly M. Smith, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “I am grateful that Ms. Sam has now taken responsibility for her role in Ms. Lloyd’s tragic death. Now the process of healing can begin for the loved ones of the victim. The FBI will continue working to ensure the safety of our state’s reservations.”
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Yakama Nation Tribal Police. It has been prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Todd Swensen, Timothy J. Ohms, and Ian Garriques.
Charges remain pending for a co-defendant in this case. Those charges are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Toppenish Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Violent Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington - Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Eduardo Valencia, age 42, of Toppenish, Washington, to 162 months in federal prison on charges of Robbery Affecting Commerce and Using, Carrying, or Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence. Valencia was convicted of those crimes on March 6, 2024, following a jury trial. Chief District Judge Bastian also imposed 5 years of federal supervision after Valencia is released from prison.
According to court documents and information disclosed at trial and sentencing, on November 18, 2020, Valencia and an accomplice walked into the La Milpa Market in Yakima, Washington. Valencia and the accomplice pulled out firearms and demanded money from the clerk, whom they threatened to kill. Valencia and the accomplice then ran behind the counter, fought with the clerk, and ultimately pistol-whipped the clerk. Valencia and the accomplice ran out of the store with approximately $10,000. Both men were masked during the robbery, and Valencia was later identified through, among other things, DNA on a glove that he dropped during the fight with the clerk.
“All people in Eastern Washington deserve to be safe at work. Mr. Valencia’s violent robbery and assault on a store clerk caused lasting trauma that will continue even after this case concludes,” stated United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref. “My office is committed to safeguarding our neighborhoods and communities by aggressively prosecuting those who resort to violence.”
“Mr. Valencia’s actions clearly warranted this sentence,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “Using a firearm in the commission of an already violent crime only further increases the danger to those involved, and to the public in general.”
This case was investigated by the ATF and Yakima Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tom Hanlon.
Yakima Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal Prison on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Jacob Rodney Penny, age 44, of Yakima, Washington, was sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl and one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke imposed a sentence of 192 months imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on May 13, 2022, the victim of a residential burglary saw a Craigslist Ad for ski equipment that matched items that had been stolen. Law enforcement contacted the seller and asked to purchase the skis. After agreeing to price, the seller said his friend would deliver the skis to the Wolf Den in Wapato, Washington and would be driving a newer white Chevy Tahoe. At the arranged time, Penny arrived at the location, driving a white Tahoe. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop and detained Penny, who told investigators he knew he was being detained because of the “stupid skis.” Penny also stated he was making the delivery because the skis did not fit in his friend’s vehicle.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant on the Tahoe, locating four large bags that contained hundreds of fentanyl pills, two smaller bags containing between 100 and 200 fentanyl pills each, a small quantity of methamphetamine, a scale with drug residue, two 9mm pistols, and $2,600 in cash.
“I am grateful for the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office for their tremendous investigation in this case. What began as an investigation into a set of stolen skis, led to the discovery of deadly fentanyl, which could have claimed the lives of those, who call the Yakima Valley home,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “My office, working with our law enforcement partners, are committed to stopping the spread of illicit narcotics in Eastern Washington. By working together, we can make our communities safer and stronger for everyone.”
“Sometimes an unexpected break leads to success,” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “In this case, a property crime led to sending a drug trafficker to federal prison. The FBI and our partners will continue working to keep these dangerous drugs off the streets and out of our communities.”
This case was investigated by the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Hanlon.
Sureno Gang Member Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Murder on Yakama Nation Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Jaime Herrera, age 29, of Granger, Washington, was sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of Second-Degree Murder in Indian Country and one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke imposed a sentence of 360-month imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Judge Dimke imposed the 360-month sentence to run consecutively to a 240-month sentence for another murder Herrera committed in Yakima County. Herrera will serve a total of 600 months – or 50 years – in prison.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on July 19, 2017, around 3:15 a.m., Herrera, who is a Sureno gang member and not affiliated with the Yakama Nation, was driving his SUV and pulled up alongside two men walking on the road between Garfield Elementary School and Garfield Park, in Toppenish, Washington, within the external boundaries of the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation. Herrera accused the pair of being traitors to the gang, pulled out a rifle and killed one of the men – an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation. The second man – who survived the shooting – is an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe.
While the investigation into the murder was ongoing, Herrera committed a second, unrelated homicide in the Yakima Valley – arranging an ambush and ultimately shooting the victim. Herrera was arrested shortly after the second murder, pleaded guilty in Washington State Court, and was sentenced to 240 months imprisonment in that case.
“The victim in this case was a son, a brother, and a new father – his daughter, a toddler at the time of his death, is growing up without a father because of Mr. Herrera’s senseless act of violence. While even the lengthy sentence in this case cannot substitute for the tragic loss of life, today’s sentence demonstrates that those who victimize members of our community – and in particular persons who enter Tribal communities to commit violence– will be held accountable,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “As a result of today’s sentence, the Eastern District of Washington is safer and more secure. I am grateful for the dedication of the FBI and the Yakama Nation who worked closely with prosecutors in my office to hold a double murderer accountable for his actions.”
“Senseless is the only word to describe this crime.” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “The violence Mr. Herrera displayed in this case, and subsequently in a separate case, indicates prison is where he belongs. I applaud the work of our investigators and partners who work so hard to make our state’s reservations safe for the people who live on them.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Yakama Nation Tribal Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Earl Hicks and Michael Ellis.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington Commemorates LGBTQ+ Pride MonthRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - For the month of June, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington (EDWA) will honor the vast contributions and important history of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer community during LGBTQ+ Pride Month.
The first presidential proclamation recognizing Pride Month occurred in 1999. On January 20, 2021, President Biden issued Executive Order 13988, directing the heads of every federal agency to take steps to prevent and combat discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, both in the federal government itself and in its enforcement of anti-discrimination laws such as Title VII.
“The enforcement and defense of civil rights for everyone is at the core of the Justice Department’s mission. My office is committed to protecting the rights of all individuals to live free from discrimination and persecution based on who they are or whom they love,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “The members of the LGBTQ+ community are our families, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. We recognize their past struggles to receive equal treatment under the law and will support and defend their efforts to secure justice now and in the future.
In 1969, after a police raid on the Stonewall Inn in New York City, members of the LGBTQ+ community engaged in several days of protest of discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. The following year, activists organized the first annual Pride March on June 28, 1970, a several-thousand-person march from the Stonewall Inn to Central Park commemorating the riots and protesting discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. Although not the first demonstration against LGBTQ+ discrimination, that Pride March marked the beginning of the galvanizing force that became a national civil rights movement to demand equal rights and protections for LGBTQ+ citizens under the law, ultimately culminating in the creation of the first gay pride parades in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, and San Francisco. Since 1970, the LGBTQ+ community has celebrated every June as Pride Month and held annual Pride Marches in a growing number of cities, including internationally.
On June 8, 2024, Members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington joined with hundreds of others by marching in the Spokane Pride Parade. U.S. Attorney Waldref added, “This was the first time my office joined to march in the Spokane Pride Parade. It is an honor to lead an office committed to enforcing civil rights and ensuring liberty and justice for all.”
More information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Civil Rights and United Against Hate programs are available on our website:
https://www.justice.gov/usao-edwa/pr/us-attorney-announces-anti-hate-crime-initiatives.
If you have witnessed or been a victim of a hate crime, you can report it to the FBI by submitting an online tip at fbi.gov/tips, by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI, or by calling 911 in an emergency.
Federal law protects against discrimination based on race, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, and citizenship in several important aspects of daily life, such as housing, employment, places of public accommodation, educational opportunities, and other areas. More information about these and other federal civil rights protections is available at https://civilrights.justice.gov/#your-rights.
Additional resources regarding hate crimes and bias incidents are available at https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/civil-rights/hate-crimes.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, joined national, state, local, and Tribal leaders in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15, 2024. Since 2006, WEAAD has been commemorated to promote awareness and increase understanding of the many forms of elder abuse as well as the resources available to those at risk.
“Seniors in our community are among the most likely to be targeted by fraud, false billing scams, and abuse. Financial exploitation is the most common form of elder abuse and is estimated to cost older adults more than $23 billion every year,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Combatting elder fraud and abuse is a top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Department of Justice, and our law enforcement partners. As part of our elder justice initiative, my office has expanded our health care fraud practice and focused on holding accountable medical providers who put profits before their obligations to patient care and safety. Everyone can protect their loved ones and the community by reporting instances of elder abuse when you see it.”
Elder abuse is an act that knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causes or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trust relationship. Such harm may be financial, physical, sexual, or psychological. The Justice Department maintains a variety of programs and initiatives to combat elder abuse.
The Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force marshals federal and state agencies working collaboratively to investigate and prosecute foreign-based schemes that target older Americans. In addition to aggressively investigating the individuals, organizations, and networks responsible for these crimes, this initiative provides the public with information to guard against both traditional scams, like tech support fraud, as well as trending schemes, such as romance scams.
Using one scam to perpetrate or conceal another, some fraudsters rely on money mules to move the proceeds of their illegal activity. Preying on the good will or financial vulnerability of their targets, scammers recruit people, many times older victims, to participate in schemes to move money in ways that avoid notice. The Money Mule Initiative identifies and addresses money mule activity to disrupt these fraud schemes and helps people to recognize and avoid participation in perpetuating fraud.
To help older individuals and their families identify and avoid fraudulent activity, the Justice Department provides Senior Scam Alerts with information about the tactics used in specific schemes. For example, in Social Security Administration Impostor Schemes, scammers impersonate government employees and falsely report suspicious activity to request that potential victims provide their Social Security numbers for confirmation. In Tech Support scams, fraudsters contact victims, sometimes through internet pop-up messages, to warn about non-existent computer problems, ask that the victim give them remote access to their computer to identify a fake problem, and then demand large sums of money for unnecessary services. In Lottery scams, telemarketers falsely notify victims that they have won a sweepstakes and tell them they must first pay fees for shipping, insurance, customs duties, or taxes before they can claim their prizes.
To learn more about the Justice Department’s elder justice efforts please visit the Elder Justice Initiative page.
The U.S Attorney’s Office continues to work with federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute elder abuse crimes. Additionally, the Office consistently works with courageous whistleblowers who provide vital information to protect patients and the community from fraud and abuse that targets the elderly.
Representative examples of cases protecting elder members of our community prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office in 2023 and 2024 include the following:
- In March 2024, Physician Edward William Salko, D.O., agreed to pay $700,000 to resolve allegations that they participated in a kick-back scheme to bill Medicare for medically unnecessary medical equipment and diagnostic laboratory testing.
- In February 2024, Thomas Andrew Webster, M.D., pleaded guilty to conspiring to accept kickbacks in connection with a fraudulent telemarketing and medical supply scheme throughout Washington and in other states.
- In January of 2024, Physician Daniel Case has agreed to pay $95,000 to resolve allegations that he participated in a kick-back scheme and ordered medically unnecessary durable medical equipment that Case caused to be billed to Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal health care programs.
- In November of 2023, Xander Lee Ostenberg was sentenced to 5 years in prison for an assault that included a violent physical attack against two Kalispel Tribal elders. During the assault, Ostenberg hit one elder in the head causing him to fall to the ground and lose consciousness. Ostenberg then turned to attack another elder, knocking him to the ground, pulling out some of the elder’s hair, and began choking the Tribal elder.
- In August of 2023, Lincare Holdings, Inc., agreed to pay $29 million and perform extensive corrective actions to resolve allegations that it fraudulently overbilled Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans for oxygen equipment and wrongfully collected co-pays from elderly beneficiaries on fixed incomes and with limited means.
U.S. Attorney Waldref has recorded this message about how we can all protect ourselves and our loved ones from scams targeting the elderly.
To report elder fraud, contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 1-833-372-8311 and visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center at IC3.gov.
Readout of U.S. Attorney Waldref’s Remarks Addressing the Opioid Crisis in Spokane, WashingtonRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Waldref met with state, local, federal, and community stakeholders at Spokane Fire Station No. 1 on June 4, 2024, as part of the City’s emergency declaration for implementing an integrated response to address the opioid crisis in the City of Spokane. In her remarks at the press conference in which Mayor Lisa Brown made the emergency declaration, U.S. Attorney Waldref expressed her gratitude to the many partners and stakeholders, who gathered together to implement ideas for improving public safety in the downtown corridor.
U.S. Attorney Waldref explained how she was born and raised in Spokane and how she and her husband proudly raise their two kids here. U.S. Attorney Waldref expressed how deeply she cares for everyone’s safety here in Eastern Washington, especially given how the Spokane community is facing an extraordinary challenge with the growing and continued influx of deadly fentanyl and other drugs. As U.S. Attorney Waldref put it, “The fentanyl crisis is the new face of the opioid epidemic and the death and tragedy that we are witnessing are staggering. The downtown area has been hit particularly hard.”
U.S. Attorney Waldref further remarked that the mission of her office is to build a safe and strong Eastern Washington community, which starts with building critical partnerships to have both (1) law enforcement strategies with our key partners at the Spokane Police Department and Spokane County Sheriff’s Office; and (2) proactive engagement to empower our community to protect our loved ones. U.S. Attorney Waldref further explained, “My job as the chief federal prosecutor is to set strategic enforcement priorities to identify and prosecute the most significant drivers of violent crime. Drug trafficking and violent crime are closely linked. My team works closely with DEA and all our law enforcement partners, and we have seized hundreds of thousands of poison fentanyl pills and other drugs – keeping these dangerous substances out of the hands of drug traffickers and out of our community. We are prioritizing the prosecution of fentanyl cases – vigorously seeking to disrupt the sources of drugs in our communities and to send a strong deterrent message to criminal drug networks.”
As part of her remarks, U.S. Attorney Waldref highlighted two recent cases touching on the fentanyl crises in Spokane and throughout Eastern Washington:
- United States v. Alexander Kosnicki involved a repeat offender, who was distributing drugs at a local charity. Mr. Kosnicki, who was convicted at trial and is awaiting sentencing, was trespassing at an apartment complex, when he was contacted by law enforcement. After he was arrested, law enforcement located a stolen gun and large amounts of fentanyl inside his sock, along with a substantial amount of U.S. currency from drug trafficking. The case came together and was able to be prosecuted in federal court because of the incredible partnership between state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the ATF, DEA, and Spokane Police Department.
- United States v. Robert Patrick Hanrahan, et. al. involved the takedown of a criminal enterprise, which operated a large scale organized crime operations in Eastern Washington, including in Spokane, Yakima, Walla Walla, and elsewhere. Takedown included federal indictments for nearly 40 criminal defendants. The case involved tremendous collaboration between the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Prisons, U.S Marshals Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Yakima Police Department, Yakima County Sheriff’s Office, and the Washington State Department of Corrections. The investigation and prosecution has led to the recovery of significant quantities of drugs, guns, and drug proceeds from throughout the greater Spokane area, and throughout Washington state.
U.S. Attorney Waldref concluded her remarks by recommitting her team to seeking justice in critical cases like these and by implementing an all-hands-on-deck strategy involving prosecution, prevention, and treatment. She explained, “We have to do more to stop the flood of these pills into our community. Federal prosecutors around the country are working closely with our Tribal, federal, state, and local partners to identify and prosecute the drug traffickers who seek to profit from the sale of these deadly substances in our communities. We target the command and control elements of the cartels, the money launderers, and the violent and heartless individuals who choose to sell this poison. Through our law enforcement efforts, we are seeking to hold these criminals responsible for the damage that they have caused to our communities. The impact and overall effectiveness of our joint efforts are directly dependent on the community, law enforcement, health care, prevention and social service professionals working together to mitigate the fentanyl drug threat. I am committed to prosecuting the criminal drug cartels who put our communities and our youth at risk. Our office has been prosecuting fentanyl cases since 2016, and we will continue vigorously prosecuting these cases as part of our ongoing efforts to build safer and stronger communities in the Eastern District of Washington.”
College Place Man Sentenced to More Than 16 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Richland, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Rex Michael Kern Jr., 39, of College Place, Washington, was sentenced after pleading guilty to two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine and two counts of being a Felon in Possession of Firearms. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke imposed a sentence of 198 months imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, early in the morning of February 11, 2022, the Walla Walla Police Department (WWPD) conducted a traffic stop of a white Hyundai hatchback. The Hyundai had been reported stolen out of Spokane a couple weeks earlier. Kern was driving and was the only occupant in the vehicle.
Officers arrested Kern and obtained search warrants for the Hyundai. Officers recovered a .22 caliber rifle, a 9mm caliber pistol, a small amount of cocaine, a half-pound of marijuana, nearly a pound of methamphetamine, two digital scales with drug residue, and $2,700 in cash from inside the vehicle.
In July of 2022, WWPD officers saw Kern going in and out of vehicles in the driveway of a residence in Walla Walla. Officers arrested Kern on an unrelated felony warrant from Walla Walla Superior Court and conducted a search. Officers located a cell phone, marijuana, methamphetamine, and brass knuckles.
Officers obtained and executed a search warrant for one of the vehicles Kern was accessing before his arrest. Inside the vehicle, WWPD located a cell phone, two 9mm pistols – one of which had no serial number, ammunition, firearm magazines, $3,927 in cash, a half-pound of methamphetamine, 638 fentanyl pills and a small amount of marijuana. One of the cell phones recovered contained messages detailing drug transactions and photographs of fentanyl pills.
“Drug traffickers like Mr. Kern perpetuate the cycle of substance abuse disorders and fatal overdoses by trafficking dangerous drugs into our neighborhoods,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I am thankful to all the members of our law enforcement team who work hand in hand with my office to keep our communities safe and fight the spread of illicit narcotics.”
“Felons know they’re not supposed to possess firearms,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “Not only didn’t Mr. Kern learn a lesson from his previous conviction, he exacerbated it by dealing in narcotics while possessing firearms. Hopefully this sentence will finally send a message to him that he needs to change his actions.”
This case was investigated by the ATF and the Walla Walla Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Pang.
Couple Sentenced in Connection to Child’s Death from FentanylRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington - Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Samantha Marie Tainewasher, age 39, to time served on one count of Involuntary Manslaughter, and one count of Use of a Communications Facility in the Commission of a Drug Felony. The Court also sentenced Tainewasher’s codefendant, Calvin James Hunt, age 52, to 24 months in federal prison on one count of Involuntary Manslaughter, one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, and one count of Use of a Communications Facility in the Commission of a Drug Felony. Tainewasher and Hunt were convicted on November 16, 2023, following a jury trial. Chief District Judge Bastian imposed 3 years of federal supervision on both defendants upon their release from custody. Tainewasher is from Wapato, Washington. Hunt is from Toppenish, Washington.
According to court documents and information disclosed at trial and sentencing, on March 29, 2020, Yakama Nation Police were dispatched to Tainewasher’s home in Wapato, Washington, to a report of an unresponsive fifteen-month-old child. When an officer arrived, Tainewasher ran toward the officer with her son in her arms. Unable to find a pulse and noting the blue tinge on the child’s lips, the officer began CPR. The child was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased. A toxicology report later found the child died from ingesting fentanyl.
During the investigation, the FBI seized Hunt’s phone. On the phone was a video recorded on March 27. The video pans over the Tainewasher’s bed and shows methamphetamine, a fentanyl-laced pill, and drug paraphernalia.
The FBI obtained Facebook records concerning Tainewasher and Hunt. The Facebook records showed that Hunt and Tainewasher engaged in buying and selling heroin, methamphetamine, and pills. Tainewasher also made Facebook posts acknowledging her addiction and use of drugs led to her son’s death.
“This case is incredibly tragic and heartbreaking. A 15-month-old child, whose parents are members of the Yakama Nation, ingested a deadly amount of fentanyl while in the care of his mother, who was just a few feet away. No sentence will be able to replace the loss of life of this young victim. The fentanyl epidemic continues to claim lives and inflict havoc on families from all walks of life,” stated Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. “I’m very proud of my team of prosecutors, who work tirelessly to vindicate victims’ rights and who devote their careers to seeking justice on behalf of the most vulnerable among us.”
This case was investigated by the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Ellis and Timothy J. Ohms.
Liberty Lake Man Sentenced to Federal Prison and Ordered to Pay $60,000 in Victim Restitution for Child Pornography CrimeRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Rick Lynn Johnson, age 69, of Liberty Lake, Washington, was sentenced after pleading guilty to Receipt of Child Pornography. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice imposed a sentence of 60 months imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Judge Rice also ordered Johnson to pay $60,000 in restitution to seven of his victims, as well as $10,000 in special assessments under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act and the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, between May 30, 2021, and June 16, 2022, federal law enforcement successfully downloaded numerous child pornography files from Johnson. In November 2022, federal agents executed a search warrant at Johnson’s home in Liberty Lake and seized a phone, computers, and hard drives. Forensic analysis of these devices revealed approximately 2,506 images and approximately 97 videos of child pornography. The images and videos included depictions of minors younger than 12 years old. Johnson later admitted to using his phone and computer to download and share child pornography with others online during the last year.
“All children should be safe from sexual predators. Protecting children from harm, especially online exploitation, remains a priority of my office and is critical to building a safe and strong Eastern Washington community, stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I am grateful for the excellent work by Homeland Security Investigations and AUSA Ann Wick in securing justice for these victims. While nothing can undo the harm these victims endured, the restitution order provides a mechanism to provide these victims the support they rightfully deserve.”
“Child pornography, or Child Sexual Assault Material (CSAM) perpetuates the exploitation and abuse of children, inflicting lifelong trauma that HSI along with our investigative partners are combating every single day,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “Any image or video that depicts the exploitation of a child acts like a digital scar and encourages an economy of abuse that can only be deflated by protecting our children from child predators, while ensuring those who have been harmed receive justice.”
The Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018 (AVAA), enacted on December 7, 2018, created new penalties and made a number of changes to existing child pornography laws, specifically providing that restitution must be ordered for all child pornography trafficking offenses in an amount of no less than $3,000 per victim. The AVAA also established a new reserve fund that will be funded by assessments imposed under the Act, and victims of child pornography may be entitled to a one-time payment from the fund if they have not otherwise received restitution covering their losses.
The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA) created a mandatory $5,000 special assessment that applies to “nonindigent” defendants for each count of conviction of certain offenses, including child pornography offenses. The assessment is contributed to the “Domestic Trafficking Victims’ Fund,” which is used to support victims of trafficking.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ann Wick.
Riverside Elementary School Employee Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - On May 22, 2024, a federal grand jury for the Eastern District of Washington returned a three-count indictment charging Dallas Michael Shuler with one count of Production of Child Pornography, one count of Distribution of Child Pornography, and one count of Receipt of Child Pornography.
If convicted, Shuler faces 30 years in prison on the charge of Production of Child Pornography, 20 years in prison for the count of Distribution of Child Pornography, and 20 years in prison for the count of Receipt of Child Pornography. Shuler would also have to register as a sex offender.
According to a complaint filed on May 13, the FBI and the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office contacted Shuler, who worked at Riverside Elementary School, about a snapchat video that depicted minors engaged in sexual conduct. Shuler recognized the video and admitted he contacted the minors online and offered explicit images in exchange for their participation in the video.
The complaint alleges Shuler told investigators he enjoyed looking at sexually explicit images of children as young as ten. Shuler also allegedly admitted to conversing with more than two dozen minors regarding sexual content, including sharing and trading sexually explicit pictures and videos.
Shuler allegedly had sexual contact with two juveniles at two separate times. According to the complaint, in both cases, Shuler recorded the sex acts and distributed the videos online. Shuler allegedly admitted he made multiple attempts to solicit other youth to meet him and engage in sex acts.
“My office and our law enforcement partners stand ready to respond with thorough investigations, aggressive prosecutions, and determined advocacy in pursuing those who seek to abuse children, whether it occurs behind a keyboard or closed doors,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case is being investigated by the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca Perez.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Armed Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Sean James Edwards, age 34, was sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute 40 Grams of Fentanyl. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke imposed a sentence of 84 months imprisonment to be followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, early on the morning of November 3, 2022, Spokane Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the area of 515 S. Farr Road for a report of a shooting. The reporting party said he heard a gunshot and saw a bullet hole in his window.
When deputies arrived, they observed a black Kia Rio crashed into a parked vehicle. Deputies could see a rifle and a loaded magazine on the passenger seat, as well as a spent silver casing on the floorboard of the Kia Rio. A neighbor told deputies that following the crash, he looked at his security camera and saw two people, a man, later identified as Edwards, and a woman, running away from the crash. Deputies had the Kia Rio towed to the police impound lot.
On November 4, investigators executed a search warrant on the Kia Rio. In addition to the rifle, investigators located a loaded pistol, several loaded magazines, dozens of rounds of ammunition, Edwards’s Montana State ID, two iPhones, methamphetamine, more than 1,400 fentanyl pills divided into several small bags, and a backpack with drug paraphernalia.
“This case demonstrates the dangerous nexus of drug trafficking and violent crime. A resident called law enforcement because someone had fired a shot into his home. Mr. Edwards ran from the scene, leaving behind fentanyl he planned to distribute and weapons he was not legally allowed to possess,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I’m grateful for the excellent work of investigators and prosecutors to identify Mr. Edwards and hold him accountable. By removing sources of illicit fentanyl from the streets, we can make our communities safer and stronger.”
“Every one of the fentanyl pills discovered in the vehicle had a potential to destroy lives, and it is a relief law enforcement was able to find them first and remove them from the community,” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “Our Safe Streets Task Force members and prosecutors are committed to fighting back against the illegal drugs and unlawfully possessed firearms that bring violence and fear into our neighborhoods.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
This case was investigated by the FBI Spokane Regional Safe Streets Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick J. Cashman.
Yakama Man Found Guilty of Assault with a Dangerous WeaponRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that a jury returned a verdict on May 15, 2024, following the trial of 43-year-old Joey Anthony Andy. Andy was found guilty of one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
Evidence introduced at trial established that on April 4, 2023, a victim, an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation, was leaving Noah’s Ark Homeless shelter in Wapato, Washington. As the victim was walking away from the shelter, he was confronted by Andy. Andy was upset with the victim because Andy believed the victim had stolen his Bluetooth speaker. Andy shoved then shoved the victim. After the victim stepped back, Andy pulled out a knife, lifted the sleeve on this hooded sweatshirt (presumably to ensure he did not get blood on his clothing), and lifted the knife, and then swung the knife at the victim’s head. As the victim attempted to dodge the blow, the knife hit the victim, leaving a four-inch laceration to the side of the victim’s head. The laceration cut down to the victim’s skull and required fourteen staples to close.
The victim ran back to Noah’s Ark for help. There, employees rendered first aid and called police. Wapato Police later located Andy in the neighborhood near Noah’s Ark. Although Andy attempted to flee, officers took Andy into custody without incident after a short chase.
United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke presided over the trial, which began on May 13, 2024. Sentencing in this matter is set for September 17, 2024.
“Prosecuting violent crime occurring on Tribal land in the Eastern District of Washington is a major priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Mr. Andy carried out a violent attack in broad daylight that left his victim with a serious injury,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Violent assaults on Native American land are key drivers of the crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous People. My office remains committed to prosecuting these and other serious crimes, such as domestic violence, drug trafficking, child exploitation, and sexual violence, which frequently contribute to this ongoing crisis. I commend our federal, tribal and local partners for their investigative work, and the prosecutors from my office who secured a conviction in this case.”
“The sudden violence of this assault is alarming and demonstrates that prison is where Mr. Andy belongs.” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “Fortunately, the victim of this attack will recover. The FBI and our partners will continue investigating these cases to make our state’s reservations safer for the people who call them home.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Todd Swensen and Bree R. Black Horse.
U.S. Attorney Waldref Recognizes Police Week in Eastern WashingtonRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Waldref recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement.
“As our country recognizes National Police Week, the Justice Department joins families and communities in remembering the members of the law enforcement community who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the public,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. “Policing is difficult and dangerous, yet time and time again, law enforcement officers answer the call, showing up for their communities when they are needed the most. Their devotion to duty is matched only by that of their loved ones who make daily sacrifices to support them. The Justice Department is committed to doing everything in our power to help provide our law enforcement partners with the resources they need to carry out their noble work on behalf of the public.”
U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref joined the Attorney General in thanking law enforcement. “This week we take time to pause and express our gratitude and thanks for the dedication, loyalty, and commitment of federal, state, local and Tribal law enforcement officers in protecting and serving our communities. Every day, officers put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe and strong. We honor their courage, valor, service, and sacrifice.”
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe.
On Monday, May 13, the names of more than 280 officers killed in the line of duty in 2024 who have been added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial were read during a Candlelight Vigil. To view a recording of the livestream of this event, visit https://nleomf.org/memorial/programs/national-police-week-2024/candlelight-vigil/
Two Men Indicted for Scheme to Tamper with Pollution Control Systems in Violation of the Clean Air ActRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - A federal grand jury for the Eastern District of Washington returned an indictment charging Pavel Ivanovich Turlak; his companies PT Express LLC, Spokane Truck Service LLC, and Paul’s Trans LLC; Ryan Hugh Milliken; and his company, Hardway Solutions; with six counts of violating the Clean Air Act for a scheme to interfere with pollution control software in diesel trucks. Turlak was also charged with six counts of fraud in connection with COVID-19 relief funding.
Turlak’s companies are based in Spokane, Washington. Milliken’s company is based in Mary Esther, Florida.
The indictment alleges that between August of 2017 and November of 2023, Turlak and Milliken tampered with emission control monitoring devices and methods on diesel pickup trucks, including both software and hardware modifications. The illegal software modifications involved “tuning” or “deleting” the trucks by tampering with the “on board diagnostic” (OBD) systems and disabling emission controls, which allowed the trucks to emit substantially more pollutants into the atmosphere.
The indictment alleges Milliken created and sold custom software “delete tunes” to Turlak for specific vehicles based on specifications provided by Turlak. Turlak then charged as much as $3,500 to diesel truck owners to “delete” and “tune” their vehicles by tampering with and rendering inaccurate required monitoring devices.
Despite the harm to the environment, diesel vehicle owners sometimes seek such illegal modifications to avoid the costs of maintaining and repairing emission control components and to increase speed and fuel efficiency.
The indictment also alleges Turlak falsely and fraudulently sought and received more than $300,000 in federal funding that was designated to go to eligible small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The indictment alleges Turlak and his businesses were not eligible to receive this funding, but falsely certified that they were in order to obtain it.
“Exposure to diesel exhaust can lead to serious health conditions like asthma and respiratory illnesses and can worsen existing heart and lung disease, especially in children and the elderly. Pollution control systems are in place to protect us,” stated Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. “My office is fully committed to enforcing laws to achieve environmental justice and making Eastern Washington a clean, safe place to live and work.”
This case was investigated by the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division with assistance from the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, and the Spokane Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Fruchter and Jacob Brooks are prosecuting the case. U.S. Attorney Waldref further wishes to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida for its coordination and support.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Spokane Police Department Receives Nearly $120,000 Forfeiture Award from U.S. Department of Justice as a Result of Forfeiture of Spokane Home Used for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today and presented the Spokane Police Department with $119,621.45 in asset forfeiture equitable sharing funds. Spokane Police Chief Justin Lundgren accepted the funds, which may be used for further law enforcement purposes, on behalf of the Spokane Police Department.
The asset forfeiture funds are the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Spokane Police Department (SPD) investigation which targeted drug traffickers in the Spokane area and Eastern Washington more broadly.
The nearly $120,000 in forfeiture funds shared with the Spokane Police Department were the result of the seizure and forfeiture of Defendant Helmut Uwe Borchert’s residence in Spokane. Helmut Borchert had a long history of drug possession and distribution in Spokane dating back to the late-1980s. In this case, Defendant Borchert used his residence to store methamphetamine to facilitate his drug trafficking of the drug in the Spokane area. At the time of his arrest, law enforcement agents seized approximately 20 pounds of methamphetamine from Borchert’s home.
Borchert pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 grams or More of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine, and was sentenced October 14, 2021, to a 12-year term of imprisonment, to be followed by a 5-year term of court supervision. He was also ordered to forfeit his residence located at 1903 E. Main Avenue, Spokane, Washington. Following the sentence, the United States Marshals Service sold the forfeited residence, proceeds of which are now shared with the Spokane Police Department.
As a result of the same OCDETF investigation, the United States has convicted the following defendants and seized and forfeited assets from them:
- Michael Paul Swanson, pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 grams or More of Methamphetamine, and was sentenced on April 25, 2023, to a 7.5-year term of imprisonment, to be followed by a 5-year term of court supervision. He was also ordered to forfeit $17,780 in U.S. currency seized by the United States.
- Jorge Octavio Valenzuela-Medrano, pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 grams or More of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine, and was sentenced on February 26, 2024, to a 3-year term of imprisonment, to be followed by a 5-year term of court supervision. The United States seized and forfeited $30,290 and a firearm from Valenzuela-Medrano.
- Leonardo Martinez is a fugitive. Notwithstanding Martinez’s fugitive status, the United States seized $72,354 and two firearms from him. On July 6, 2022, he was indicted by a grand jury in the Eastern District of Washington for one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 grams or More of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl. The public is reminded that charges contained in an indictment are only accusations and are not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Pursuant to applicable regulations, an 80% share of the funds from the sale of Borchert’s forfeited residence are being shared with the Spokane Police Department in recognition of its significant contribution to this investigation. The shared asset forfeiture funds will assist in further crime-fighting efforts.
The Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Program is, first and foremost, a law enforcement program. It removes the tools of crime from criminal organizations, deprives wrongdoers of the proceeds of their crimes, recovers property that may be used to compensate victims, and deters crime. The Department of Justice underscores these law enforcement purposes with all federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies.
One of the ancillary benefits of asset forfeiture is sharing federal forfeiture proceeds with cooperating state and local law enforcement agencies through equitable sharing as is occurring here. The Department of Justice Equitable Sharing Program enhances cooperation between federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement by providing valuable additional resources to those law enforcement agencies.
United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref said, “Removing pounds of illicit narcotics from our community is a great victory and saves lives. Our asset forfeiture program seeks to deprive wrongdoers of the proceeds of their crimes and to compensate victims. I am pleased that these funds will assist in further crime-fighting efforts. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington commends the law enforcement officers with the DEA and Spokane Police Department who investigated this case. This investigation exemplifies the positive crime fighting results that can be achieved when federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies collaborate and work together.”
“The reason why methamphetamine traffickers, like Mr. Borchert, deal drugs dangerous to our community is to enrich themselves,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Asset forfeiture is an important tool to strip traffickers of their ill-gotten gains while, at the same time, giving something back to the communities they preyed upon. It is gratifying to see the Drug Enforcement Administration’s partnership with the Spokane Police Department result in this notable forfeiture that accomplishes these goals.”
“This case was the result of a joint DEA/SPD investigation, marked by seamless collaboration between members of SPD pro-active units, the SPD Special Investigations Unit (SIU), and DEA agents. Every member who participated in the investigation of this drug trafficking organization played an invaluable role that culminated in multiple arrests, sentencings, and the removal of dangerous drugs from the streets of Spokane,” said Chief Lundgren. “We are grateful to our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for awarding SPD significant dollars which will be used to continue the effort to shut down other drug operations that threaten our community and put the vulnerable and increasingly, our children, at risk.”
Spokane Police DepartmentThe enforcement action resulting in this forfeiture was part of an OCDETF investigation. The OCDETF program provides supplemental federal funding to the federal and state agencies involved in the investigation of drug-related crimes. This OCDETF investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
This case was investigated by the Spokane Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration in partnership with the Spokane Police Department.
This case was prosecuted by Caitlin Baunsgard and Brian M. Donovan, Assistant United States Attorneys for the Eastern District of Washington.
More information regarding the DOJ Equitable Sharing Program can be found here: DOJ Guide to Equitable Sharing.
Former Law Enforcement Officer Found Guilty of Attempted Online Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that a jury returned a verdict on May 14, 2024, following the trial of 49-year-old Koby Don Williams. Williams was found guilty of one count of Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor.
Evidence introduced at trial established that on July 23, 2022, Williams replied to a Craigslist ad as part of an undercover law enforcement operation meant to identify individuals interested in and willing to meet with minors for sex. Over the next three days, Williams chatted over text with 13-year-old “Rebecca,”, who Williams believed to be a minor. During the text conversation, Williams discussed “Rebecca’s” age; her rates she charged for sex acts, Williams’s employment as a “cop;” and arrangements to meet “Rebecca” at a hotel for sex.
On July 26, 2022, Williams arrived at the Quality Inn in Othello, Washington, to meet “Rebecca.” Instead, Williams was contacted by law enforcement and arrested. Following a search of Williams and his vehicle, officers located Williams’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement badge, two bottles of prescription medication that included directions to take prior to sexual activity, and $4,075 in U.S. currency in a credit union envelope.
United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice presided over the trial, which began on May 13, 2024. Sentencing in this matter is set for August 14, 2024.
“No one is above the law, and, as this case demonstrates, the U.S Attorney’s Office is fully committed to vigorously prosecuting those who target the most vulnerable members of our community,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref. “Mr. Williams’s conduct stands in stark contrast to the trust we place in federal law enforcement to keep Eastern Washington communities safe and strong. Our Assistant United States Attorneys, including AUSA Ann Wick, who tried this case, remain committed to upholding the integrity of our mission to protect and serve.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov
This case was investigated by the FBI, DHS/OIG, and the Othello Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ann Wick.
Two Men Plead Guilty to Defrauding COVID-19 Pandemic Relief ProgramsRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that two individuals pleaded guilty to fraud in connection with COVID-19 relief funding.
On March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act provided a number of programs through which eligible small businesses could request and obtain relief funding intended to mitigate the economic impacts of the pandemic for small and local businesses. One such program, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), provided forgivable loans to eligible small businesses to retain jobs and maintain payroll during the pandemic. Another program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, provided low-interest bridge funding for small businesses placed at risk during the pandemic.
David Kurt Schneider, 54, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Bank Fraud. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian accepted Schneider’s guilty plea, and set sentencing for August 13, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., in Yakima.
In the plea agreement accepted by the court, and in information disclosed during court proceedings, Schneider admitted that he conspired, along with two other defendants, to fraudulently obtain CARES Act funding through the PPP program, collectively obtaining over $265,000 in PPP funding. Schneider further admitted that he and his co-defendants submitted additional fraudulent applications seeking over $560,000 in CARES Act funding through the PPP and EIDL programs, applications which were ultimately not approved. Schneider, as part of the conspiracy, admitted all three defendants submitted false information and documents to the SBA and participating PPP lenders regarding gross revenues, number of employees, and amount spent on payroll in an attempt to obtain CARES Act funds to which they were not otherwise entitled. According to the plea agreement, Schneider and others submitted funding applications in the name of Larsen Firearms, owned by co-defendant Leif Gerald Larsen, and Solar Mobility LLC, RealNZ Water LLC, and Tempest Tactical Solutions, LLC, all owned by Schneider.
In a separate case, Nathan Michael Triano, 40, pleaded guilty to Wire Fraud. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice accepted Tirano’s guilty plea, and set sentencing for August 7, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in Spokane.
In the plea agreement accepted by the court, and in information disclosed during court proceedings, Triano admitted he obtained six PPP loans totaling $140,865.00 by submitting materially false and fraudulent information concerning various purported businesses. In addition to the PPP funds dispersed to Triano, the United States also incurred a loss of $15,000.00 in lender fees for the PPPs, resulting in a total actual and intended loss of at least $155,865.00.
“Both of these defendants repeatedly used fraudulent schemes to defraud the United States Government and take critical funds that were to be used as a lifeline to small and local businesses struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “My Office will continue to lead the effort to prosecute those who stole money intended for those in legitimate need.”
United States v. Schneider was investigated by the Eastern District of Washington COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force and by and by FBI and SBA OIG.
United States v. Triano was investigated by the Eastern District of Washington COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force and by SBA-OIG, TIGTA, DOL-OIG, DHS-HSI and DHS-OIG.
Both cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Frieda K. Zimmerman and Jeremy J. Kelley.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.